shortening
|short-en-ing|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈʃɔrtənɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈʃɔːtənɪŋ/
(shorten)
make short
Etymology
Etymology Information
'shortening' originates from the verb 'shorten,' which comes from Old English 'sceortian,' meaning 'to make short.'
Historical Evolution
'shorten' evolved from the Old English word 'sceortian' and eventually became the modern English word 'shorten.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to make something shorter,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a fat used in baking to make pastries and other baked goods tender and flaky.
The recipe calls for a cup of shortening.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the act or process of making something shorter.
The shortening of the workweek was welcomed by employees.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45