Definition of shorthand

The word "shorthand" originated in the 16th century from the Old English words "shorte" (short) and "hand". It referred to a method of rapid writing, often using abbreviations and symbols to shorten the time it took to record speech or meetings. The concept of shorthand predates its name, with ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks developing their own forms of abbreviated writing. The modern term "shorthand" became popularized in the 16th century with the development of the Pitman shorthand system, named after its inventor, Sir Isaac Pitman. This system used a unique set of symbols and abbreviations to represent words and sounds, allowing writers to record text quickly and efficiently. Today, shorthand remains an important tool for writers, journalists, and industry professionals seeking to capture information rapidly and accurately.