abreviar

Abreviar is a verb in Spanish and Portuguese that means to shorten or to abbreviate. It denotes making something briefer in length, duration, or detail, often by using a more concise form or omitting nonessential elements. In both languages the action can apply to written texts, spoken discourse, or schedules. The related nouns are abreviatura in Spanish and abreviação in Portuguese.

In Spanish, abreviar is a regular -ar verb. It is used for texts, speeches, and any content that should be presented more concisely. Examples include “Tenemos que abreviar el informe para la reunión” and “El discurso fue abreviado para ajustarse al tiempo.” The noun corresponding is abreviatura.

In Portuguese, abreviar likewise means to shorten or abbreviate. It is common in editorial, administrative, and everyday contexts. Examples: “Vamos abreviar o relatório” and “Ele abreviou o tempo de espera.” The noun is abreviação. The term also appears in phrases that describe using abbreviations or shortening expressions in formal writing.

Etymology and related forms: abreviar derives from Latin abbreviāre, from brevis meaning short. It has cognates in other Romance languages and is the ancestor of the English verb abbreviate. In both Spanish and Portuguese, the verb is widely used in education, journalism, and administration to signal a need for concision.