shortcut
UK/'ʃɒ:tkʌt/US
TOEFLC2
Definitions
n.
A quicker route to a place than the usual one
捷径，近路
n.
A quicker or easier way of doing something, often by skipping proper steps
（做事的）捷径、简便办法（常含投机意味）
n.
A key combination or desktop icon that performs a task quickly on a computer
（电脑）快捷键；快捷方式
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedshort + cut = a route that 'cuts' your journey short. From the literal shorter path it spread to any quick method that skips steps, and then to computing (keyboard shortcut, desktop shortcut). The disapproving tone of 'cutting corners' often colors the figurative use.
Root short still carries 9 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.take a shortcut走捷径
- 2.keyboard shortcut键盘快捷键
- 3.shortcut key快捷键
- 4.no shortcut to……没有捷径
Example Sentences
- 1.
We took a shortcut through the alley to save ten minutes.
- 2.
There are no shortcuts to learning a language well.
- 3.
Press this keyboard shortcut to save the file instantly.
- 4.
He tried to shortcut the approval process and got caught.