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Definition of foreshorten

foreshorten

/fɔːrˈʃɔːr.tən/
fore · shor · ten
Adjective:foreshortened
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Past Simple:foreshortened
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Past Participle:foreshortened
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Present Participle:foreshortening
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foreshorten Lexical Profile

foreshorten Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To portray or show an object or figure as shorter or smaller than it actually is in order to convey the optical illusion of three-dimensional depth or projection toward the viewer (in drawing, painting, or photography).

Example

"The artist used careful shading to foreshorten the outstretched arm of the subject."

2

To prematurely reduce, abridge, or cut short in time, scope, or extent.

Example

"A sudden knee injury threatened to foreshorten the athlete's promising career."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for foreshorten

• Rhymes for foreshorten

• Nearby Words

foreshadow
foreshadowing
foreshock
foreshorten
foresight
foresighted
foreskin

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century as a technical term in Renaissance perspective drawing, formed from the prefix 'fore-' (in front) and 'shorten', referring to the visual compression of an object projecting toward the viewer.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Foreshorten. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/foreshorten
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