Section(s)
Vocabulary classes
Level(s)
A2B1B2C1
Key topics
Advanced VocabularyQuestion Asking
What is an Abbreviation?
Abbreviations are shortened forms of words and phrases. Some abbreviations are informal in nature and even slang. Many of them are also appropriate in formal contexts.
In fact, some of the most common abbreviations are “Mr.” and “Mrs.” which are almost exclusively used in formal contexts.
They make it easier and faster for us to express ideas while talking/writing to someone.
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- 1️⃣ Acronyms An acronym is a word that is made up of the first letter of a group of words and is read like a single word. For example, NATO is pronounced as a single word, making it an acronym.
- 2️⃣ Initialisms Initialisms are similar to acronyms, except that each letter is read individually. For example, RSVP is an initialism, as you say each letter one by one.
- 3️⃣ Portmanteaus A portmanteau is a combination of two words, such as motel being a motor hotel.
- 4️⃣ Clipped words Clipped words are some of the most common types of abbreviations, as they are just shortened words. For example, abbreviating January as “Jan” is an example of a clipped word.
- 5️⃣ Contractions Contractions are two or three words combined with the use of apostrophes, such as won’t, should’ve or couldn’t’ve.
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Be right back
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Automatic Teller Machine
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Fear Of Missing Out
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Public Display of Affection
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As Soon As Possible
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“Répondez s’il vous plait” = Please, answer
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In My Opinion
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For Your Information
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Questions & Answers
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Body Odor
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Rest In Peace
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Point Of View
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Too Much Information
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Identity | Identification
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Very Important Person
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You Only Live Once
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“id est” [latin] = That is | In other words
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Missing In Action