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truncate
/trʌŋˈkeɪt/
shorten by cutting off
The editor truncated the article to fit the magazine's word limit.
The editor cut the article short to meet the required length.
formal
To shorten something by removing a part, especially the end.
The software truncates long filenames to 8 characters.
The software cuts filenames down to 8 characters.
The report was truncated due to time constraints.
The report was cut short because there wasn't enough time.
Often used in technical, mathematical, or editorial contexts to describe reducing length or precision.
technical
To shorten a number by removing digits after the decimal point without rounding.
The value 3.14159 truncated to two decimal places is 3.14.
The value 3.14159 cut off after two decimal places is 3.14.
Contrast with 'rounding,' which adjusts the number to the nearest value.
Collocations
truncate a fileto shorten a file by removing partstruncate a numberto shorten a number by removing digitstruncate a conversationto end a conversation abruptly
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'round'
Truncating removes digits without adjusting the remaining number, while rounding may increase or decrease the last digit. For example, truncating 3.149 to two decimals gives 3.14, but rounding gives 3.15.
Gold Rule
Precision in technical contexts
In programming or mathematics, use 'truncate' when you need to remove digits without rounding. For example, 'truncate(3.149, 2)' returns 3.14.
Word Origin
From Latin 'truncatus,' past participle of 'truncare' meaning 'to maim or lop,' derived from 'truncus' (mutilated, cut off).
Usage Notes
Commonly used in technical, mathematical, and editorial contexts. Avoid using in informal speech where 'cut short' or 'shorten' may sound more natural.
Word Breakdown
trunc-
to cut off
root-ate
verb-forming suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary