shorthand: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “shorthand” mean?
A rapid system of writing that uses symbols or abbreviations to represent words or sounds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rapid system of writing that uses symbols or abbreviations to represent words or sounds.
Any method or notation used to express something in a concise or abbreviated form, often implying the ability to convey complex information quickly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept and the word are identical. In professional contexts, specific systems like 'Teeline' are more widely taught in the UK, while 'Gregg' has been more common in the US.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes speed, efficiency, and specialist skill in its literal sense. The metaphorical use is equally common in intellectual discourse.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK media due to historical associations with secretarial and parliamentary reporting professions.
Grammar
How to Use “shorthand” in a Sentence
NOUN + for + NOUN (a shorthand for complexity)VERB + in + shorthand (take notes in shorthand)ADJ + shorthand (convenient shorthand)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shorthand” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The PA was shorthanding the director's dictation.
- Can you shorthand this list for me?
American English
- The court reporter shorthanded the entire testimony.
- He shorthanded the main points of the lecture.
adjective
British English
- She had excellent shorthand skills.
- He took a shorthand note of the phone number.
American English
- She was hired for her shorthand proficiency.
- A shorthand version of the speech was distributed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Historically for secretarial note-taking; now rare outside specific professions like court reporting.
Academic
Common in its metaphorical sense in social sciences/humanities: 'The term is often used as a shorthand for neoliberal policies.'
Everyday
Used to refer to any quick, abbreviated note-taking: 'I'll just jot it down in shorthand.'
Technical
Refers specifically to recognised systems like Pitman, Gregg, or Teeline in vocational training.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shorthand”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shorthand”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shorthand”
- Using 'shorthand' to mean 'short form' in all contexts (overextension). Confusing 'shorthand' with 'acronym' or 'initialism'. Incorrect: 'LOL is an internet shorthand.' (Better: 'abbreviation').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'stenography' is a more formal synonym, though 'shorthand' is the more common general term.
Yes, though it's less common (e.g., 'to shorthand a message'). The phrase 'take down in shorthand' is more frequent.
The pattern 'a shorthand for...' is used to label a complex idea with a simple, often reductive, term (e.g., 'Brexit' became a shorthand for political division).
For specific professions like court reporting, journalism, or personal assisting where rapid, accurate note-taking is essential, it remains a valuable skill, though its use has declined with digital recording.
A rapid system of writing that uses symbols or abbreviations to represent words or sounds.
Shorthand is usually formal, technical in register.
Shorthand: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɔːthænd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɔːrthænd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'as a shorthand for...' (used to introduce a simplifying label or concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SHORT writing for the HAND. It makes writing shorter by hand.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABBREVIATION IS SHORTCUT / SIMPLIFICATION IS SHORTHAND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'shorthand' used in its primary, non-metaphorical sense?