What is the Abbreviation For What Is? This is a common question, and at WHAT.EDU.VN, we provide the answers you need quickly and easily. Find comprehensive insights into abbreviations, initialisms, and acronyms. Explore our resources for clarity.
1. Understanding Abbreviations: The Basics
Before diving into the specifics, let’s cover the fundamentals of abbreviations. Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases used for brevity and convenience. They’re everywhere, from casual conversations to formal documents.
1.1. What is an Abbreviation?
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase, typically created by omitting letters from the middle or end of the word. It’s a handy tool in written communication, allowing us to convey information more quickly and efficiently.
For example:
- “St.” is an abbreviation for “Street.”
- “Dr.” is an abbreviation for “Doctor.”
- “Mr.” is an abbreviation for “Mister.”
1.2. Why Do We Use Abbreviations?
Abbreviations serve several key purposes:
- Save Time and Space: They allow us to write faster and fit more text into a limited space.
- Clarity: In certain contexts, abbreviations are more recognizable than the full word or phrase.
- Convenience: They make communication easier, especially in informal settings.
1.3. Common Types of Abbreviations
There are several types of abbreviations, each with its own set of rules and conventions:
- Contractions: These are formed by omitting letters from within a word, often indicated by an apostrophe (e.g., “can’t” for “cannot”).
- Initialisms: These use the first letter of each word in a phrase and are pronounced letter by letter (e.g., “FBI” for “Federal Bureau of Investigation”).
- Acronyms: Similar to initialisms, but acronyms are pronounced as a single word (e.g., “NASA” for “National Aeronautics and Space Administration”).
- Clippings: These are shortened forms of words, usually by removing the end (e.g., “exam” for “examination”).
- Alphabetisms: An alphabetism is an abbreviation that is pronounced letter by letter
1.4. Abbreviation vs. Acronym vs. Initialism
It’s easy to get these terms confused, so let’s clarify the differences:
- Abbreviation: A general term for any shortened form of a word or phrase.
- Acronym: A type of abbreviation formed from the initial letters of a series of words and pronounced as a word (e.g., “NATO” for “North Atlantic Treaty Organization”).
- Initialism: A type of abbreviation formed from the initial letters of a series of words and pronounced letter by letter (e.g., “DIY” for “Do It Yourself”).
Understanding these distinctions can help you use abbreviations correctly and avoid confusion.
2. What’s the Abbreviation for “What Is”?
The most common abbreviation for “what is” is “what’s.” This contraction combines “what” and “is” into a single word, using an apostrophe to indicate the omitted letter.
2.1. When to Use “What’s”
“What’s” is typically used in informal writing and speech. It’s a natural and widely accepted contraction in everyday communication. Here are some examples:
- “What’s happening?”
- “What’s the weather like today?”
- “What’s your name?”
2.2. When to Avoid Using “What’s”
While “what’s” is generally acceptable in informal contexts, it should be avoided in formal writing. In academic papers, legal documents, or professional reports, it’s best to use the full phrase “what is.”
2.3. Alternative Ways to Say “What Is”
In situations where you want to avoid contractions, you can use the full phrase “what is.” Here are some examples:
- “What is the meaning of this?”
- “What is the capital of France?”
- “What is your opinion on this matter?”
Using the full phrase ensures clarity and formality in your writing.
3. Common Abbreviations and Their Meanings
Abbreviations are a part of our everyday lives. Here’s a list of frequently used abbreviations and their meanings to help you navigate them with ease.
3.1. General Use Abbreviations
These are the abbreviations you’ll often encounter in various contexts.
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| e.g. | for example | Use punctuation, e.g., commas. |
| i.e. | that is | I.e., be specific. |
| etc. | and so on | Books, pens, etc. |
| approx. | approximately | Approx. 500 pages |
| ref. | reference | See ref. above |
| vs. | versus | Cats vs. dogs |
3.2. Time and Date Abbreviations
When dealing with schedules and dates, these abbreviations will come in handy.
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| a.m. | before noon | 9 a.m. |
| p.m. | after noon | 5 p.m. |
| Mon. | Monday | Meeting on Mon. |
| Tue. | Tuesday | See you on Tue. |
| Wed. | Wednesday | Project due Wed. |
| Thu. | Thursday | Presentation on Thu. |
| Fri. | Friday | Party on Fri. |
| Sat. | Saturday | Relax on Sat. |
| Sun. | Sunday | Church on Sun. |
| Jan. | January | Jan. 1st |
| Feb. | February | Feb. 14th |
| Mar. | March | Mar. 17th |
| Apr. | April | Apr. 1st |
| Jun. | June | Jun. 21st |
| Jul. | July | Jul. 4th |
| Aug. | August | Aug. 15th |
| Sep. | September | Sep. 30th |
| Oct. | October | Oct. 31st |
| Nov. | November | Nov. 11th |
| Dec. | December | Dec. 25th |
3.3. Location Abbreviations
Abbreviations for places are common in addresses and directions.
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| St. | Street | 123 Main St. |
| Ave. | Avenue | 456 Park Ave. |
| Rd. | Road | 789 Oak Rd. |
| Blvd. | Boulevard | 101 Pine Blvd. |
| Dr. | Drive | 222 Maple Dr. |
| Ln. | Lane | 333 Cherry Ln. |
| P.O. | Post Office | P.O. Box 444 |
| USA | United States of America | Made in USA |
| UK | United Kingdom | Visit the UK |
| CA | California | Living in CA |
| NY | New York | Trip to NY |
3.4. Business and Professional Abbreviations
These are essential for those in the professional world.
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| CEO | Chief Executive Officer | Meet the CEO |
| CFO | Chief Financial Officer | Contact the CFO |
| COO | Chief Operating Officer | The COO will decide |
| HR | Human Resources | Contact HR for details |
| ASAP | As Soon As Possible | Need this ASAP |
| RSVP | Please Respond | RSVP by Friday |
| est. | established | Est. 1990 |
| Inc. | Incorporated | Company is Inc. |
| Ltd. | Limited | Ltd. company |
| Corp. | Corporation | Corp. headquarters |
3.5. Academic Abbreviations
Students and academics frequently use these abbreviations.
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Doctor of Philosophy | PhD candidate |
| MA | Master of Arts | MA degree |
| BA | Bachelor of Arts | BA in English |
| GPA | Grade Point Average | Maintain a good GPA |
| Prof. | Professor | Ask the Prof. |
| Dept. | Department | English Dept. |
| H.S. | High School | Graduate from H.S. |
| M.S. | Master of Science | Earned a M.S. degree |
| B.S. | Bachelor of Science | Received a B.S. |
3.6. Technology Abbreviations
In our digital age, tech abbreviations are everywhere.
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| WWW | World Wide Web | Visit the WWW |
| URL | Uniform Resource Locator | Share the URL |
| HTML | HyperText Markup Language | Code in HTML |
| CSS | Cascading Style Sheets | Style with CSS |
| API | Application Programming Interface | Use the API |
| OS | Operating System | Windows OS |
| RAM | Random Access Memory | Upgrade your RAM |
| CPU | Central Processing Unit | Fast CPU |
| USB | Universal Serial Bus | Plug in the USB |
3.7. Medical Abbreviations
Healthcare professionals rely on these abbreviations for efficiency.
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Rx | Prescription | Get an Rx |
| OTC | Over The Counter | Buy OTC meds |
| ER | Emergency Room | Go to the ER |
| ICU | Intensive Care Unit | Patient in ICU |
| MRI | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Schedule an MRI |
| CT | Computed Tomography | Perform a CT scan |
| BP | Blood Pressure | Check your BP |
| HR | Heart Rate | Monitor HR |
3.8. Government and Political Abbreviations
Staying informed about government requires knowing these abbreviations.
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| USA | United States of America | Living in the USA |
| UN | United Nations | The UN’s role |
| FBI | Federal Bureau of Investigation | The FBI investigates |
| CIA | Central Intelligence Agency | The CIA’s mission |
| GOP | Grand Old Party (Republican) | The GOP platform |
| Dem. | Democrat | The Dem. candidate |
| POTUS | President of the United States | POTUS addresses the nation |
| VP | Vice President | The VP’s duties |
3.9. Miscellaneous Abbreviations
These abbreviations don’t fit neatly into other categories but are still widely used.
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| approx. | approximately | Approx. 50 people |
| misc. | miscellaneous | Misc. items for sale |
| info. | information | Need more info. |
| max. | maximum | Max. capacity is 500 |
| min. | minimum | Min. age requirement |
| dept. | department | Sales dept. |
| pop. | population | City pop. is growing |
4. Understanding Postal Abbreviations
Postal abbreviations are standardized, two-letter codes used to represent states, territories, and other entities in addresses for efficient mail processing. These abbreviations were introduced by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to streamline mail delivery.
4.1. History of Postal Abbreviations
Before the implementation of the ZIP Code in 1963, the Post Office Department preferred state names to be written out in full to avoid confusion. However, with the introduction of the five-digit ZIP Code on July 1, 1963, a need arose to abbreviate state names to accommodate addressing equipment limitations.
- Early Abbreviations: In June 1963, the Post Office Department provided an initial list of abbreviations, but many were three or four letters long.
- Standardization: By October 1963, the Department settled on the current two-letter abbreviations to optimize space and reduce errors.
- Evolution: Only one change has been made since then: in 1969, Nebraska’s abbreviation was changed from NB to NE to prevent confusion with New Brunswick, Canada.
4.2. Current Postal Abbreviations for States and Territories
Here is a comprehensive list of current postal abbreviations for U.S. states and territories:
| State/Territory | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Alabama | AL |
| Alaska | AK |
| Arizona | AZ |
| Arkansas | AR |
| California | CA |
| Colorado | CO |
| Connecticut | CT |
| Delaware | DE |
| District of Columbia | DC |
| Florida | FL |
| Georgia | GA |
| Hawaii | HI |
| Idaho | ID |
| Illinois | IL |
| Indiana | IN |
| Iowa | IA |
| Kansas | KS |
| Kentucky | KY |
| Louisiana | LA |
| Maine | ME |
| Maryland | MD |
| Massachusetts | MA |
| Michigan | MI |
| Minnesota | MN |
| Mississippi | MS |
| Missouri | MO |
| Montana | MT |
| Nebraska | NE |
| Nevada | NV |
| New Hampshire | NH |
| New Jersey | NJ |
| New Mexico | NM |
| New York | NY |
| North Carolina | NC |
| North Dakota | ND |
| Ohio | OH |
| Oklahoma | OK |
| Oregon | OR |
| Pennsylvania | PA |
| Puerto Rico | PR |
| Rhode Island | RI |
| South Carolina | SC |
| South Dakota | SD |
| Tennessee | TN |
| Texas | TX |
| Utah | UT |
| Vermont | VT |
| Virginia | VA |
| Washington | WA |
| West Virginia | WV |
| Wisconsin | WI |
| Wyoming | WY |
| American Samoa | AS |
| Guam | GU |
| Northern Mariana Islands | MP |
| Virgin Islands | VI |
4.3. Proper Usage of Postal Abbreviations
To ensure your mail is delivered efficiently, follow these guidelines when using postal abbreviations:
- Capitalization: Always use uppercase letters for postal abbreviations.
- Placement: Place the abbreviation after the city name and before the ZIP Code.
- Punctuation: Do not use periods after the letters in the abbreviation.
- Spacing: Leave one space between the city name and the state abbreviation, and another space between the state abbreviation and the ZIP Code.
For example:
Seattle WA 98101
4.4. Historical Postal Abbreviations
It’s interesting to note how postal abbreviations have evolved. Here’s a look at the historical abbreviations used in 1831, 1874, 1943, and June 1963, compared to the current abbreviations.
| State/Territory | 1831 | 1874 | 1943 | June 1963 | Oct. 1963 – Present |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Al. | Ala. | Ala. | ALA | AL |
| Alaska | — | Alaska | Alaska | ALSK | AK |
| Arizona | — | Ariz. | Ariz. | ARIZ | AZ |
| Arkansas | Ar. T. | Ark. | Ark. | ARK | AR |
| California | — | Cal. | Calif. | CALIF | CA |
| Colorado | — | Colo. | Colo. | COL | CO |
| Connecticut | Ct. | Conn. | Conn. | CONN | CT |
| Delaware | De. | Del. | Del. | DEL | DE |
| District of Columbia | D. C. | D. C. | D. C. | DC | DC |
| Florida | Fl. T. | Fla. | Fla. | FLA | FL |
| Georgia | Ga. | Ga. | Ga. | GA | GA |
| Hawaii | – | — | Hawaii | HAW | HI |
| Idaho | — | Idaho | Idaho | IDA | ID |
| Illinois | Il. | Ill. | Ill. | ILL | IL |
| Indiana | Ia. | Ind. | Ind. | IND | IN |
| Iowa | — | Iowa | Iowa | IOWA | IA |
| Kansas | — | Kans. | Kans. | KANS | KS |
| Kentucky | Ky. | Ky. | Ky. | KY | KY |
| Louisiana | La. | La. | La. | LA | LA |
| Maine | Me. | Me. | Maine | ME | ME |
| Maryland | Md. | Md. | Md. | MD | MD |
| Massachusetts | Ms. | Mass. | Mass. | MASS | MA |
| Michigan | Mic. T | Mich. | Mich. | MICH | MI |
| Minnesota | — | Minn. | Minn. | MINN | MN |
| Mississippi | Mi. | Miss. | Miss. | MISS | MS |
| Missouri | Mo. | Mo. | Mo. | MO | MO |
| Montana | — | Mont. | Mont. | MONT | MT |
| Nebraska | — | Nebr. | Nebr. | NEB | NB* (to NE in 1969) |
| Nevada | — | Nev. | Nev. | NEV | NV |
| New Hampshire | N. H. | N. H. | N. H. | NH | NH |
| New Jersey | N. J. | N. J. | N. J. | NJ | NJ |
| New Mexico | — | N. Mex | N. Mex | NM | NM |
| New York | N. Y. | N. Y. | N. Y. | NY | NY |
| North Carolina | N. C. | N. C. | N. C. | NC | NC |
| North Dakota | — | — | N. Dak | ND | ND |
| Ohio | O. | Ohio | Ohio | OHIO | OH |
| Oklahoma | — | — | Okla. | OKLA | OK |
| Oregon | — | Oreg. | Oreg. | ORE | OR |
| Pennsylvania | Pa. | Pa. | Pa. | PA | PA |
| Puerto Rico | — | — | P. R. | PR | PR |
| Rhode Island | R. I. | R. I. | R. I. | RI | RI |
| South Carolina | S. C. | S. C. | S. C. | SC | SC |
| South Dakota | — | — | S. Dak | SD | SD |
| Tennessee | Te. | Tenn. | Tenn. | TENN | TN |
| Texas | — | Tex. | Tex. | TEX | TX |
| Utah | — | Utah | Utah | UTAH | UT |
| Vermont | Vt. | Vt. | Vt. | VT | VT |
| Virginia | Va. | Va. | Va. | VA | VA |
| Washington | — | Wash. | Wash. | WASH | WA |
| West Virginia | — | W. Va. | W. Va. | W VA | WV |
| Wisconsin | — | Wis. | Wis. | WIS | WI |
| Wyoming | — | Wyo. | Wyo. | WYO | WY |
4.5. Resources for Looking Up Postal Abbreviations
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the official USPS website:
5. FAQ About Abbreviations
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about abbreviations.
5.1. Are Abbreviations Case-Sensitive?
In most cases, abbreviations are not case-sensitive. However, it’s generally best practice to use the capitalization that is commonly accepted for each specific abbreviation. For example, “U.S.” is more commonly written with uppercase letters and periods, while “etc.” is usually written in lowercase with a period.
5.2. How Do I Know When to Use an Abbreviation?
Use abbreviations when they are widely recognized and appropriate for your audience. Avoid using obscure or uncommon abbreviations that may confuse your readers. In formal writing, it’s often best to spell out the full word or phrase unless the abbreviation is extremely well-known (e.g., “USA,” “NATO”).
5.3. Should I Use Periods in Abbreviations?
The use of periods in abbreviations depends on the specific abbreviation and style guide you are following. Some abbreviations, like “U.S.” and “a.m.,” traditionally include periods, while others, like “CEO” and “HTML,” do not. Consistency is key, so choose a style and stick to it throughout your writing.
5.4. What is the difference between an abbreviation and a contraction?
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase, while a contraction is a shortened form of two words combined with an apostrophe to indicate missing letters (e.g., “can’t” for “cannot”).
5.5. Can I make up my own abbreviations?
It’s generally not a good idea to make up your own abbreviations unless you are certain that your audience will understand them. Stick to established abbreviations to avoid confusion.
5.6. How do I abbreviate long titles or names?
When abbreviating long titles or names, use the initials of each word. For example, “John Fitzgerald Kennedy” can be abbreviated as “JFK.”
5.7. Are abbreviations acceptable in academic writing?
In academic writing, it’s generally best to avoid excessive use of abbreviations. Spell out the full word or phrase the first time it appears, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. After that, you can use the abbreviation throughout the rest of your paper. However, some well-known abbreviations (e.g., “USA,” “NATO”) can be used without spelling them out first.
5.8. How do I abbreviate measurements?
Measurements are often abbreviated in scientific and technical writing. Some common measurement abbreviations include “mm” for millimeters, “cm” for centimeters, “m” for meters, “kg” for kilograms, and “lb” for pounds.
5.9. Can I use abbreviations in a formal email?
In formal emails, it’s best to avoid using abbreviations unless they are widely recognized and appropriate for your audience. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to spell out the full word or phrase.
5.10. Where can I find a comprehensive list of abbreviations?
There are many online resources where you can find comprehensive lists of abbreviations. Some popular options include:
- Abbreviations.com
- All Acronyms
- Acronym Finder
6. Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Abbreviation Concepts
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s delve into some more advanced concepts related to abbreviations.
6.1. Context Matters: How Meaning Changes
The meaning of an abbreviation can vary depending on the context in which it is used. For example, “A.M.” can refer to “ante meridiem” (before noon) or “amplitude modulation” (a type of radio transmission). Always consider the surrounding text to determine the correct meaning.
6.2. Abbreviations in Different Fields
Different fields and industries often have their own unique sets of abbreviations. For example, medical abbreviations are commonly used in healthcare, while legal abbreviations are used in the legal profession. Familiarize yourself with the abbreviations used in your field to communicate effectively.
6.3. The Impact of Technology on Abbreviations
Technology has had a significant impact on the use of abbreviations. With the rise of texting, social media, and instant messaging, abbreviations have become even more prevalent in our daily communication. Common examples include “LOL” (laugh out loud), “BRB” (be right back), and “OMG” (oh my god).
6.4. Style Guides and Abbreviations
Different style guides (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) have different rules and recommendations for using abbreviations. Consult the appropriate style guide for your writing to ensure consistency and accuracy.
6.5. The Future of Abbreviations
As language continues to evolve, so too will the use of abbreviations. New abbreviations are constantly being created, and existing abbreviations may change in meaning or usage. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends to communicate effectively in a rapidly changing world.
7. Examples of Abbreviations in Sentences
To further illustrate how abbreviations are used in practice, here are some examples of abbreviations in sentences:
- “The meeting will be held at 9 a.m.”
- “Please RSVP by Friday.”
- “The CEO will be giving a presentation.”
- “I need this report ASAP.”
- “Visit our website at www.example.com.”
8. Practical Tips for Using Abbreviations
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when using abbreviations:
- Know Your Audience: Consider your audience and their familiarity with abbreviations.
- Be Consistent: Use abbreviations consistently throughout your writing.
- Provide Context: Ensure that the meaning of the abbreviation is clear from the context.
- Use a Dictionary: Consult a dictionary or online resource to verify the correct abbreviation.
- Proofread Carefully: Always proofread your writing to catch any errors in abbreviation usage.
9. Why Understanding Abbreviations Matters
Understanding abbreviations is essential for effective communication in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re reading a book, writing an email, or browsing the internet, abbreviations are everywhere. By mastering the art of abbreviation usage, you can improve your comprehension, enhance your writing, and communicate more effectively.
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