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abbreviare

to abbreviate

verb ahb-breh-VYAH-reh Rare

Origin: From Latin abbreviare (ab- + brevis, short).

Also means

to shorten

Usage Note

Abbreviare is used both for shortening words (e.g., abbreviare 'signore' in 'sig.') and for cutting time or distance short. The related noun is abbreviazione (f). Do not confuse with accorciare, which more often refers to physically shortening objects (a skirt, a rope).

Examples

"Puoi abbreviare il tuo discorso?"

Natural Translation

Can you shorten your speech?

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