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shortness. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
shortness, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
shortness in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
shortness you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Etymology
From Middle English schortnesse, from Old English sċortness, sċeortnyss, equivalent to short + -ness.
Noun
shortness (countable and uncountable, plural shortnesses)
- (uncountable) The property of being short, of being small of stature or brief.
the shortness of a stubby pencil
the patient's shortness of breath
1959 March, “Talking of Trains: Fewer meals on wheels?”, in Trains Illustrated, page 121:But on the whole the Southern Region, in view of the relative shortness of so many of its journeys, is to be commended for its provision of refreshment facilities; [...].
- (countable) The result or product of being short.
- (uncountable) The property of being short or terse.
- I was chastened by the shortness of her reply.
Derived terms
Translations
The property of being short, of being small of stature or brief