英会話・英語 アミック What is the difference between Abbreviations and Acronyms?
2017/03/18
Abbreviations
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase used mainly in writing to represent the complete form. It usually has a full-stop at the end.
Examples: Lib. for Library
abbr. for abbreviation
approx. for approximate
Acronyms
An acronym is a pronounceable word formed mostly (but not always) from the initial letters of a descriptive name or title.
Examples: radar = radio detecting and ranging
ASAP = as soon as possible
The term initialism uses a similar method, but the word is pronounced letter by letter.
Example: BBC British Broadcasting Corporation or USA United States of America.
And last but not least, there are symbols and/or units of reference, like min for minute or kg for kilogram.
