Meaning & use
acronyms
Last updated
UK/ˈækrənɪmz/
US/ˈækrəˌnɪmz/
“acronyms” is a form of “acronym”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
Words formed from the first letters of a longer name or phrase, such as NATO.
Grammar: Plural of acronym: many acronyms are used at work.
Patterns
- acronyms for something
Hospitals use many acronyms that confuse patients.
NASA and UNESCO are well-known acronyms.
Please explain any acronyms in your report.
Common combinations
- common acronyms
- This list explains common acronyms.
- use acronyms
- Avoid using acronyms with new readers.
- spell out acronyms
- Spell out acronyms the first time.
- technical acronyms
- Technical acronyms fill the manual.
Synonyms and how they differ
- abbreviations
- Abbreviations are shortened forms in general, not only initial-letter words.
- initialisms
- Initialisms are said letter by letter, such as BBC.
- shorthand
- Shorthand is a general quick style and not a specific word type.
Word family
Commonly confused: acronyms or acronyms vs synonyms?
acronyms vs acronyms vs synonyms
Synonyms are words with similar meaning; acronyms are formed from initial letters.
Practice
Which of these is an acronym pronounced as a word?
Choose one answer.
NASA is said as one word. The others are spoken letter by letter.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “acronyms”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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