How to pronounce shorten
Say it like SHOR-tun. Shorten has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce shorten. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SHOR
- tun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Shorten pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SHORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- tunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of shorten
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SHAW-tun.
What does shorten mean?
- To make shorter; to abbreviate.
- To become shorter.
- To make deficient (as to); to deprive (of).
Where does shorten come from?
From Middle English shortnen, schortenen, equivalent to short + -en (verbal suffix).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying shorten
How do you pronounce shorten?
Say SHOR-tun. The American pronunciation is /ˈʃɔrtən/. In British English it is /ˈʃɔːtən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in shorten?
Shorten has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHOR). Broken into parts: SHOR · tun.
Is shorten pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈʃɔːtən/ (SHAW-tun).