shortness
English edit
Etymology edit
From Middle English schortnesse, from Old English sċortness, sċeortnyss, equivalent to short + -ness.
Noun edit
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 edit
Translations edit
The property of being short, of being small of stature or brief
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