foreshorten
UK[fɔːˈʃɔːt(ə)n]US[fɔːrˈʃɔːrt(ə)n]
v
to draw or paint an object so that it appears to be closer or further away and gives the illusion of depth.
v
to reduce or shorten something in time or scale.
Morpheme Breakdown
fore
shorten
fore
front, ahead
shorten
make shorter
Etymology
the word "foreshorten" is a compound formed from native english elements. the prefix "fore-," meaning "situated in front," combines with the verb "shorten," creating a term originally and primarily used in the visual arts. the literal sense is "to shorten from the front," describing the technique of representing an object extending directly towards the viewer, which makes its depicted length appear compressed. this artistic logic of creating an illusion of projection was later extended metaphorically to describe the abbreviation or condensation of narratives, processes, or perspectives in time or scope.
Analysis
Structure: fore (front, ahead) + shorten (make shorter)
fore is of old english origin, meaning "before, in front of," and functions as a prefix. shorten is of old english origin, from the adjective "short" plus the verbal suffix "-en," meaning "to make or become shorter."
Examples
the artist skillfully foreshortened the figure's arm to create a dramatic sense of reach.
the documentary necessarily foreshortens a complex historical period into a one-hour film.
from this high angle, the road seems sharply foreshortened.