Word
shorthand
Phoneticsshort·hand, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃɔɹtˌhænd/
UK/ʃˈɔːthænd/
Definitions
01fast writing system
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a system of fast writing that uses symbols instead of full words, often used by reporters.
n. a method of rapid writing using symbols or abbreviations for letters and words, typically used for recording speech.
“The journalist took notes in shorthand so she wouldn't miss a single word.”
“Before digital recorders became standard, every court reporter had to be proficient in shorthand to produce accurate transcripts of the proceedings.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02to write or describe briefly
C2 · Proficiency Formal
v. to write something down using symbols or to describe a big idea very quickly.
v. to record speech in stenographic symbols or to represent a complex concept through an abbreviated form.
“He tried to shorthand the main points of the lecture as the professor spoke.”
“The author tends to shorthand complex emotional states, relying on tropes rather than developing the characters' internal lives.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'for' when referring to a symbolic or abbreviated representation of an idea.
Real-World Examples
“The number “86” is often used as shorthand to mean to get rid of or remove something, while Trump is the 47th US president.” “But explaining how they incorporate research into their family lives is a convenient shorthand that takes us to the heart of a complex issue.” Etymology
The noun is derived from short + hand (“handwriting; style of penmanship”). The verb is derived from the noun.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/shorthand