Reading Theme:
Shorthand: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：fast writing system (shorthand)
shorthand
/ˈʃɔːthænd/
n.
A fast way of writing using special symbols or short forms for words, used to record what someone is saying.
fast writing system
➕
/ˈfɑːst ˈraɪtɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/
n.
A system for writing quickly, using abbreviations or special symbols to represent sounds, words, or phrases, traditionally used for dictation or note-taking.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Compound of 'short' (brief) + 'hand' (handwriting, style of writing).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of writing with a SHORT HAND to be fast, unlike using your full, long hand to write slowly.
📖 Example
My grandmother was a secretary in the 1960s and learned shorthand to take dictation from her boss.
My grandmother worked as a secretary in the 1960s and acquired the skill of shorthand to transcribe her boss's spoken words.
🔗 Collocations
learn shorthand – To acquire the skill of writing in shorthand.
write in shorthand – To use shorthand symbols for writing.
shorthand skills – The abilities related to using shorthand effectively.
🔄 Synonyms
stenography (n.) – The practice of writing in shorthand, especially by a stenographer.
speedwriting (n.) – A specific system of fast writing using abbreviations.
cursive (n.) – Flowing, connected handwriting, though generally not as abbreviated as shorthand.
🚫 Antonyms
longhand (n.) – Ordinary handwriting, written out in full.
verbose writing (n.) – Writing that uses more words than necessary.
🌱 Derivatives
shorthand typist (n.) – A person whose job is to type documents, often from shorthand notes.
📖 Cultural Story
The term 'shorthand' dates to the late 15th century, describing any abbreviated system of writing. It evolved from a basic tool for recording speech to formalized systems like Pitman (1837) and Gregg (1888), crucial for secretarial work and journalism before recording devices.
Meaning 2：simplified term (shorthand)
shorthand
/ˈʃɔːthænd/
n.
A short, simple way of expressing or referring to something complicated.
simplified term
➕
/ˈsɪmplɪfaɪd tɜːm/
n.
A brief, simplified term or expression used as a convenient way to refer to a more complex idea, concept, or situation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In our office, 'information overload' is a common shorthand for the feeling of getting too many emails and messages every day.
At our workplace, the phrase 'information overload' is frequently used as a shorthand to describe the daily experience of receiving an excessive number of emails and messages.
🔗 Collocations
use as shorthand for – To employ a brief term to represent a larger idea.
common shorthand – A widely accepted brief term for something.
verbal shorthand – A brief spoken expression representing a complex idea.
🔄 Synonyms
abbreviation (n.) – A shortened form of a word or phrase.
nickname (n.) – A familiar or humorous name for someone or something.
code word (n.) – A word or phrase used to represent another, often to conceal meaning.
🚫 Antonyms
full term (n.) – The complete, unabbreviated word or phrase.
explicit description (n.) – A detailed and clear explanation without abbreviation.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser