SHORTEST Meaning and
Definition
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Shortest is an adjective that refers to the smallest distance, duration, or length in comparison to other objects or periods. It typically represents the minimum amount of time, space, or measurement needed to travel or cover a particular distance or area. The concept of shortest is often used to indicate efficiency, speed, or brevity.
In a spatial context, shortest describes a direct distance between two points without any detours or deviations. For example, it can refer to the quickest route between two locations or the minimal length of a line segment. Similarly, in a temporal context, shortest denotes the briefest or most concise duration required to complete a task or achieve a goal. It implies the minimal amount of time needed to accomplish an objective.
The term shortest is prominently used in various fields including mathematics, physics, navigation, and computer science. Mathematicians frequently engage in finding the shortest path or the shortest distance between points using optimization algorithms. In physics, the principle of least action asserts that nature follows the path that takes the least time or distance. In computer science, shortest is often associated with algorithms like Dijkstra's algorithm used to determine the shortest path in graphs or networks.
Overall, shortest signifies the most compact, direct, or efficient way to reach a destination or complete a task, whether it pertains to physical distance, duration, or measurement.
Top Common Misspellings for SHORTEST *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SHORTEST
Etymology of SHORTEST
The word "shortest" is derived from the root word "short", which can be traced back to the Old English word "scort" or "sceort". This word is thought to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "skurtaz" or "skurtiz", meaning "short". It ultimately stems from the Proto-Indo-European root word "*(s)ker-", which refers to something being cut or broken off. The addition of the suffix "-est" turns "short" into its superlative form, indicating the utmost degree of shortness.
Idioms with the word SHORTEST
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longest way round is the shortest way home
The idiom "longest way round is the shortest way home" means that sometimes taking a more indirect or time-consuming route or approach may yield faster or more efficient results in the end. It suggests that hurrying or taking shortcuts may lead to more obstacles, delays, or mistakes, whereas patience, thoroughness, or following a tried-and-tested path may bring about the desired outcome more quickly and smoothly.
Similar spelling words for SHORTEST
- short-stop,
- shortest-lived,
- shroudiest,
- short whist,
- Shurtz,
- shortstop,
- CHARTEST,
- shirtiest,
- chartist,
- shrewdest,
- shortcoming,
- short story,
- short sleep,
- short sale,
- shortage,
- shreddiest,
- shortgrass,
- shortcut,
- chertiest,
- shirtwaist,
- shortish,
- short-grass,
- shorts,
- shortcake,
- shortest-serving.
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