Shorthand

B1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈʃɔrthænd/

Definitions of shorthand

noun a method of rapid writing by means of abbreviations and symbols

Example Sentences

A1 Shorthand is a way of writing using symbols instead of full words.

A2 I learned shorthand in school to take notes quickly.

B1 Using shorthand can be helpful when transcribing interviews or meetings.

B2 Court reporters often use shorthand to transcribe spoken words quickly and accurately.

C1 Learning shorthand requires practice and dedication to become proficient.

C2 Stenographers use shorthand to record verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings.

adjective using or involving shorthand

Example Sentences

A1 He used shorthand notes to quickly jot down the key points of the lecture.

A2 The shorthand version of the report was easier to read and understand.

B1 She developed a shorthand method for organizing her daily tasks.

B2 The shorthand instructions were concise and easy to follow.

C1 The shorthand code he used in programming saved a lot of time and effort.

C2 Her shorthand analysis of the situation was thorough and insightful.

Examples of shorthand in a Sentence

formal The secretary took notes in shorthand during the meeting.

informal I'll write down the address in shorthand so I don't forget.

slang I can't read your shorthand, it looks like chicken scratch.

figurative Using emojis is like a shorthand way of expressing emotions in text messages.

Grammatical Forms of shorthand

past tense

shortened

plural

shorthands

comparative

shorter

superlative

shortest

present tense

shortens

future tense

will shorten

perfect tense

has shortened

continuous tense

is shortening

singular

shorthand

positive degree

short

infinitive

to shorten

gerund

shortening

participle

shortened

Origin and Evolution of shorthand

First Known Use: 1636 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'shorthand' originated from the Old English word 'sceort' meaning 'short' and 'hand' referring to writing by hand.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a system of rapid writing, shorthand has evolved to refer to any system of abbreviated or symbolic writing used to represent spoken language.