shorthand

A short way of expressing an idea or doing something more complicated.

• We use initials as shorthand.
• That label is shorthand for a much more complex idea.
• Her raised eyebrow was shorthand for disagreement.

How to use it: shorthand for something (The phrase became shorthand for the whole political movement.)

Similar words: abbreviation, short form

Common phrases: shorthand for something, convenient shorthand, use as shorthand

A fast way of writing using special signs instead of full letters or words.

• She writes in shorthand.
• The reporter took shorthand notes during the interview.
• Can you read this old shorthand notebook?

Similar words: stenography

Opposites: longhand

Common phrases: write in shorthand, shorthand notes, learn shorthand

Expressing or describing something in a shorter, simpler way.

• That is a shorthand description.
• The report uses a shorthand label for each group.
• These shorthand expressions save space but can confuse readers.

Similar words: abbreviated, shortened, simplified

Opposites: unabridged

Common phrases: shorthand description, shorthand expression, shorthand notation