Which term denotes the shortened form of a word by omitting letters and using an apostrophe?

• A. Contractions
• B. Acronyms
• C. Abbreviations
• D. Portmanteau

Answer: (A)

Contractions are shortened forms of words created by omitting letters and signaling that omission with an apostrophe. They show up in everyday words like can't, won't, and it's, where the apostrophe marks the letters that have been left out (for example, cannot becomes can't, it is becomes it's). This specific use of an apostrophe to indicate missing letters is what sets contractions apart from other types of compacted word forms.

Acronyms are formed from the initial letters of a phrase and are spoken as a single word (like NASA). Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases (like Dr. or kg) and don’t necessarily involve an apostrophe or a new spoken word. Portmanteau blends two or more words to create a new term (like brunch).