shorthand — a method of rapid writing using abbreviations and symbols
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a method of rapid writing using abbreviations and symbols
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʃɔːrt.hænd/
Example Sentences
- The secretary's shorthand looked like ancient hieroglyphics to everyone else.
- CEO became shorthand for 'Chief Executive Officer' in business meetings.
- My shorthand is so bad that even I can't read my own notes!
shorthand
NOUN[/ˈʃɔːrt.hænd/]
a method of rapid writing using abbreviations and symbols

Court reporter using rapid symbol writing

The secretary wrote the meeting in shorthand instead of full sentences. (✍️ Short + ✋ Hand → Shorthand = a shortened way of writing by hand.)

The speaker kept the talk short, and the secretary turned it into shorthand notes in seconds.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Shorthand emerged in the 17th century as a compound of the English words 'short' and 'hand'. It originally referred to a rapid writing technique using abbreviated symbols and concise marks, allowing scribes to write quickly by hand.
Breakdown
short (brief, abbreviated) + hand (manual writing) = a system of abbreviated writing performed by hand
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The secretary's shorthand looked like ancient hieroglyphics to everyone else.”
“CEO became shorthand for 'Chief Executive Officer' in business meetings.”
“My shorthand is so bad that even I can't read my own notes!”
“She used 'LOL' as shorthand for 'laugh out loud' in her text messages.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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