Langimage
English

shorter

|short-er|

A2

🇺🇸

/ˈʃɔːrtər/

🇬🇧

/ˈʃɔːtə/

(short)

less in length or duration

Base FormPluralComparativeSuperlativeNounVerbAdverb
shortshortsshortershortestshortnessshortenshortly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'short' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'sceort,' where 'sceort' meant 'not long.'

Historical Evolution

'sceort' changed from Old English word 'sceort' and eventually became the modern English word 'short.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'not long,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

having less length or height than usual or than something else.

The table is shorter than the couch.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

lasting or taking a small amount of time.

The meeting was shorter than expected.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35