Why is abreviated such a long word?

You're right, "abbreviated" is a long word, even though it refers to making words shorter! This is a bit of a linguistic quirk.

Here's why:

* Etymology: The word "abbreviated" comes from the Latin word "brevis," meaning "short." The prefix "ab-" means "away from" or "off." So, "abbreviated" literally means "made away from short" - which seems counterintuitive!

* Historical Usage: The word "abbreviate" has been around for centuries and has evolved over time. It was originally used more broadly to refer to things made "short" or "brief," not just in the context of words.

* No Perfect Alternatives: While there are shorter words that convey similar meanings (like "shorten"), "abbreviated" is the most precise and formal way to express the specific action of making a word shorter through the use of an abbreviation.

So, "abbreviated" is a long word because of its historical origins and the nuance it carries in the English language.