encurtar

Encurtar is a Portuguese verb that means to shorten, reduce the length, duration, or extent of something. It can refer to physical measurements, time spans, or the conciseness of a text, as well as to abbreviating numbers or identifiers. The term is commonly used in everyday language and in technical or digital contexts.

In practical use, encurtar appears in phrases such as encurtar o texto, encurtar a duração, or encurtar uma distância. In computing and digital media, it is closely associated with shortening links, for example encurtar um URL, typically through a URL shortener service. The verb can also describe the act of curtailing plans, expenses, or arguments.

Etymologically, encurtar is related to the idea of making something short, and it is often grouped with synonyms like acurtar, abreviar, and reduzir. In Brazilian Portuguese, encurtar is widely understood and used, while in European Portuguese acurtar is also common; both varieties generally recognize encurtar, though preferences may vary by region and context.

Grammatical notes: encurtar is a regular -ar verb. Examples of present tense forms include eu encurto, você encorta, nós encurtamos, eles encurtam. The corresponding noun is encurtamento, referring to the act or result of shortening.

Overall, encurtar is a versatile verb used across everyday speech and specialized domains to convey reducing length, time, content, or complexity.