The word "curtailed" is spelled /kɜrˈteɪld/. It is derived from the verb "curtail," which means to cut short or reduce. The spelling of "curtailed" follows the general rule of adding the suffix "-ed" to the base form of the verb when forming the past tense. The "ai" combination is pronounced as "ay" and the final "ed" is pronounced as "d", making "curtailed" sound like "kur-tayld". This spelling and pronunciation make perfect sense once you know the rule.
Curtailed is an adjective used to describe something that has been shortened or reduced in extent, duration, or size. It implies the act of cutting back or limiting the extent or scope of something.
In its literal sense, curtailed can refer to physical actions such as trimming or cutting down the length of an object. For instance, it could denote the shortening of a person’s hair, the reduction in the length of a dress or skirt, or the truncation of a paragraph or article.
Beyond its literal meaning, curtailed can also describe the restriction or limitation of actions, events, or processes. It suggests that the normal flow or fullness of something has been hampered or diminished. For instance, one might say that a project was curtailed due to lack of funding or that a vacation plan was curtailed because of unexpected circumstances.
Curtailed conveys the notion of restraining or constraining a certain aspect, activity, or situation. It implies a deliberate procedure to control or reduce something for a specific purpose. This could be a strategic maneuver to save resources, change priorities, or mitigate potential risks. It often carries the idea of cutting or ending something prematurely, thereby limiting its full potential or intended course.
Overall, the term curtailed encompasses both the literal and figurative concepts of restricting, shortening, or diminishing the extent, duration, or size of something.
Cut shorter; abridged.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "curtailed" comes from the Old French word "courtauld", which is a past participle form of the verb "courtaudre". "Courtaudre" means "to cut short" or "to curtail" in French. The Old French word "courtauld" was eventually anglicized into "curtailed" in English, retaining its original meaning of being cut short or reduced in extent.