shorten
UK/'ʃɒ:tn/US
A1
Definitions
v.
To make something shorter in length or time
缩短，使变短
v.
To become shorter
变短
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedshort + -en ('make'). The suffix -en turns an adjective into a verb meaning 'make/become that quality,' just like wide→widen and dark→darken. So shorten = make (or become) short.
Root short still carries 9 more wordsExample Sentences
- 1.
Can you shorten these trousers by a couple of inches?
- 2.
We decided to shorten the meeting to thirty minutes.
- 3.
The days shorten quickly once autumn arrives.