What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abridged
Example
I read an abridged version of 'Les Miserables' that was only 300 pages. [abridged: adjective]
Example
The abridgment of the novel left out some of the less important subplots. [abridgment: noun]
shortened
Example
The shortened version of the meeting only lasted 30 minutes. [shortened: adjective]
Example
Due to time constraints, the speaker had to give a shortened version of his presentation. [shortened: adjective]
Example
The recipe called for a shortened version of the cooking time by using a pressure cooker. [shortened: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shortened is more commonly used than abridged in everyday language, due to its versatility and wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abridged and shortened?
Both abridged and shortened can be used in formal and informal contexts, but abridged may be more commonly used in academic or literary settings due to its association with written works.
