shorten

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de réduire la longueur, la durée ou l'étendue de quelque chose.

A verb used to indicate the act of making something shorter in length, duration, or extent.

1. Reduce length or durationB1formal

   To make something shorter than originally planned or intended, often by cutting time or length.

   Raccourcir

   • The editor decided to shorten the article to fit the page.
   • We need to shorten the meeting to just 30 minutes.
   • The film was shortened by ten minutes for television.

   Synonymesabbreviateclipcondensecropcurtailcutlessenreducetrimtruncate

   Antonymeselongateextendlengthenprolong

2. Condense or abridgeB2formal

   To reduce the scope of something while keeping the essential parts intact.

   Condenser ou abréger

   • The professor shortened the lecture to cover only the main points.
   • They shortened the novel into a concise summary.
   • The report was shortened to include only key findings.

   Synonymesabbreviateabridgecompresscondensecurtailcutreducetruncate

   Antonymeselongateexpandextendlengthenprotract

3. Make physically shorterA2formal

   To reduce the physical length of an object.

   Raccourcir physiquement

   • She shortened the dress by hemming it.
   • The tailor shortened the sleeves of the jacket.
   • He shortened the rope by cutting off a piece.

   Synonymesabbreviateclipcurtailcutdockreducetrimtruncate

   Antonymeselongateextendlengthen

4. Become shorterB1formal

   To decrease in length or duration over time.

   Raccourcir (devenir plus court)

   • The days shorten as winter approaches.
   • Her patience shortened as the delay continued.
   • The shadows shortened as the sun rose higher.

   Synonymescontractdecreasediminishdwindlelessenshrink

   Antonymeselongateextendlengthenprolong

5. Censor or sanitizeC1formal

   To edit a text by removing or altering parts considered offensive or inappropriate.

   Expurger / Censurer

   • The publisher shortened the manuscript to remove explicit content.
   • The broadcast was shortened to avoid controversial statements.
   • They shortened the play by cutting out the more risqué scenes.

   Synonymescensorclean upexpurgateredact