short shrift: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “short shrift” mean?
Brief and unsympathetic treatment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Brief and unsympathetic treatment; quick dismissal without proper consideration.
Originally, the brief time allowed for confession to a priest before execution. Now, it commonly means to give little time or attention to someone or something, often in a dismissive or perfunctory manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in British English, but well-understood in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies curtness, lack of patience, or summary judgment.
Frequency
Low-frequency, but stable in written and spoken formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “short shrift” in a Sentence
[Subject] give [Object] short shrift.[Object] get short shrift from [Subject].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The board gave the new proposal short shrift, rejecting it within minutes."
Academic
"Early theories on the subject often received short shrift in later historiographical analysis."
Everyday
"Don't bring up astrology with him; he'll give it short shrift."
Technical
Rare. Might be used in legal contexts to describe a summary judgment without full hearing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “short shrift”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “short shrift”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “short shrift”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a short shrift reply' is incorrect).
- Confusing 'shrift' with 'shift'.
- Using it without the fixed verb collocations (give/get).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is considered formal or literary and is not common in casual conversation.
Almost never. It inherently carries a negative connotation of inadequate or dismissive treatment.
'Shrift' is an archaic word for confession or the act of shriving (hearing confession). The phrase originally referred to the brief time for confession given to a condemned prisoner.
No, the article 'a' is not used. The correct form is 'I was given short shrift' or 'They gave me short shrift.'
Brief and unsympathetic treatment.
Short shrift is usually formal, literary in register.
Short shrift: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːt ˈʃrɪft/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔrt ˈʃrɪft/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give short shrift to something/someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SHRiFT (a shift/change) that is too SHORT to matter. You're quickly moved on or dismissed.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE/PROCESS IS A MEASURED LENGTH (where 'short' implies inadequacy).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'give short shrift' mean?