1 B1 informal
To reduce the physical length of something, such as a piece of clothing or a rope
"The tailor shortened down the curtains so they wouldn't drag on the floor."
separable
shorten down
B1 informal separable transitive
To reduce the length of something, such as a garment or a piece of writing
In plain English
To make something shorter
What does "shorten down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To reduce the length of a piece of text, a speech, or a programme
"Can you shorten down this report? The director wants it to fit on one page."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make shorter in a downward direction — semi-transparent
Actually means
To make something shorter
Usage tip
Less common than simply 'shorten'. The particle 'down' adds emphasis on the reduction. Used with garments, text, speeches, and other things that have measurable length. Regional variation: more common in British and Irish English.
Words that pair with "shorten down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
hem trousers skirt essay speech rope curtains
How to conjugate "shorten down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
shorten down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shortens down
he/she/it
Past simple
shortened down
yesterday
Past participle
shortened down
have + pp
-ing form
shortening down
continuous
Hear "shorten down" in the wild
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