foreshorten: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “foreshorten” mean?
To portray or represent an object or figure as shorter than it actually is in order to give an illusion of depth or proper perspective, or to abbreviate or condense something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To portray or represent an object or figure as shorter than it actually is in order to give an illusion of depth or proper perspective, or to abbreviate or condense something.
In figurative use, to reduce or condense something, especially time, a narrative, or a process, making it seem shorter or more concise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both variants use the term identically in art and figurative contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties. The figurative use may carry a slightly literary tone.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both British and American English. More likely encountered in specialised art contexts or high-register writing.
Grammar
How to Use “foreshorten” in a Sentence
[Subject] foreshortens [Object] (e.g., The artist foreshortened the arm.)[Subject] is foreshortened (Passive) (e.g., The road is foreshortened by the camera angle.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foreshorten” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The draughtsman skilfully foreshortened the reclining figure to create a sense of depth.
- The director foreshortened the timeline of events for dramatic effect.
American English
- In the painting, the arm is dramatically foreshortened as it reaches toward the viewer.
- The report foreshortens the complex history of the conflict.
adverb
British English
- Not standard. No common adverb form.
American English
- Not standard. No common adverb form.
adjective
British English
- Not standard. Use 'foreshortened' (past participle as adjective): 'a foreshortened view of the cathedral'.
American English
- Not standard. Use 'foreshortened' (past participle as adjective): 'the foreshortened perspective of the skyscraper'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically in presentations: 'We need to foreshorten the development timeline.'
Academic
Used in art history, visual arts, and literary criticism (e.g., 'The novelist foreshortens the historical period.').
Everyday
Very rare. Unlikely in casual conversation.
Technical
Core usage in visual arts, photography, cinematography, and architecture to describe perspective distortion.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foreshorten”
- Using it as a simple synonym for 'shorten' without the perspective or condensing nuance (e.g., 'I foreshortened my jeans.' is wrong).
- Confusing spelling: 'forshorten' (missing 'e').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary and most precise meaning is from visual arts, it is also used figuratively to mean 'to condense or abbreviate,' especially in formal writing about time or narratives.
'Shorten' means to make something literally shorter in length or duration. 'Foreshorten' specifically refers to creating an illusion of reduced length for perspective in imagery, or metaphorically condensing something (like time) so it seems to pass quickly.
Yes, the past participle 'foreshortened' is commonly used as an adjective, as in 'a foreshortened view' or 'a foreshortened timeline'.
No, it is a low-frequency word (C2 level). You will most likely encounter it in specialised texts about art, photography, or in formal/literary prose.
To portray or represent an object or figure as shorter than it actually is in order to give an illusion of depth or proper perspective, or to abbreviate or condense something.
Foreshorten is usually formal, technical in register.
Foreshorten: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːˈʃɔː.tən/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔːrˈʃɔːr.tən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FORE' (in front) + 'SHORTEN' (make short). In a picture, the part that is meant to be coming 'fore' (towards you) is drawn 'shortened' to create depth.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISUAL PERSPECTIVE IS CONDENSATION; TIME/EVENTS ARE OBJECTS IN SPACE (for the figurative sense).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'foreshorten' used most precisely and literally?