shortness

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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)

  1. (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; [...].
  2. (countable) The result or product of being short.
  3. (uncountable) The property of being short or terse.
    I was chastened by the shortness of her reply.

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