缩略 (suō lüè) is a verb meaning 'to abbreviate' or 'to shorten' — specifically, to reduce the length of a word, phrase, or text while preserving its core meaning. The character 缩 (suō) means 'to shrink' or 'to contract', and 略 (lüè) means 'to omit' or 'to leave out'; together, they convey the idea of making something shorter by omitting parts. This term is commonly used in linguistic, academic, and digital contexts — for example, when discussing acronyms, shorthand notes, or editing written content.

While 缩略 can function as a standalone verb (e.g., 缩略这个词), it more frequently appears as part of compound nouns like 缩略语 (suō lüè yǔ, 'abbreviation') or as a verb in formal or instructional settings. It carries a neutral-to-formal register and is not typically used in casual speech — native speakers often prefer simpler alternatives like 缩写 (suō xiě) in everyday conversation.