Difference Wiki

Shorthand vs. Typing

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 17, 2023
Shorthand is a system of quick handwriting using symbols and abbreviations to represent words and phrases, whereas typing is entering text using a keyboard. Shorthand aims for speed in manual writing, while typing is designed for digital text entry.

Key Differences

Shorthand can be tailored to an individual's needs and preferences, allowing for personal abbreviations and symbols. Typing, however, relies on a consistent, universally understood set of characters, which makes it easier to share and store data.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
While shorthand is often used for specific professional purposes like journalism and stenography, typing is a more universally applicable skill required in various settings from academia to the corporate world.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
In shorthand, the focus is on capturing spoken words as quickly as possible, often in a courtroom or during interviews. Typing is commonly used for creating documents, emails, and other written material in a digital format.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Shorthand generally requires specific training and memorization of unique symbols and abbreviations. Typing, in contrast, utilizes the standard alphabet and usually requires learning touch typing for speed and efficiency.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Shorthand is a method of rapid writing that uses symbols and abbreviations to represent words or phrases. Typing, on the other hand, involves pressing keys on a keyboard to produce digital text in a standardized format.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Comparison Chart

Meaning

Quick handwriting using symbols
Text entry via keyboard
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Sep 17, 2023
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Purpose

Speed in manual writing
Speed and efficiency in digital text entry
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Training

Requires learning specific symbols
Requires learning touch typing
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Applicability

Specific professional settings
Universal across various settings
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023

Standardization

Can be personalized
Uses a universal set of characters
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Shorthand and Typing Definitions

Shorthand

A way to jot down notes quickly.
Students sometimes use shorthand during lectures.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Typing

An act of data input using a keyboard.
Typing errors can lead to misunderstandings.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
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Shorthand

A form of writing that aids transcription.
Shorthand is often used to transcribe speeches.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Typing

A skill involving speed and accuracy on a keyboard.
His typing speed was impressive.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023

Shorthand

A specialized form of writing for stenography.
Court reporters often use shorthand.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Typing

Text entry for digital documents.
Typing is essential for modern office work.
Samantha Walker
Sep 17, 2023

Shorthand

A fast writing method using symbols and abbreviations.
The journalist used shorthand to keep up with the interview.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023

Typing

A number of people or things having in common traits or characteristics that distinguish them as a group or class:That type of car was popular in the 1970s. See Synonyms at kind.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
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Shorthand

A system designed for capturing spoken words.
Shorthand was indispensable before voice recording technology.
Samantha Walker
Sep 17, 2023

Typing

A person or thing having the features of a group or class:He is the type of person that is bound to get into trouble.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Shorthand

A system of rapid handwriting employing symbols to represent words, phrases, and letters.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

An example or a model having the ideal features of a group or class; an embodiment:"He was the perfect type of a military dandy"(Joyce Cary).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Shorthand

A system, form, or instance of abbreviated or formulaic reference
"The classical error is to regard a scientific law as only a shorthand for its instances" (Jacob Bronowski).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

A person regarded as exemplifying a particular profession, rank, or social group:a group of executive types; a restaurant frequented by tourist types.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Shorthand

A rough and rapid method of writing by substituting symbols for letters, words, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

A figure, representation, or symbol of something to come, such as an event in the Old Testament that is believed to foreshadow another in the New Testament.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Shorthand

(by extension) Any brief or shortened way of saying or doing something.
The jargon becomes a shorthand for these advanced concepts.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

(Biology)The type specimen, type species, or type genus, which serves as the basis for the name of a species, genus, or family.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Shorthand

(transitive) To render (spoken or written words) into shorthand.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

A small block of metal or wood bearing a raised letter or character on the upper end that leaves a printed impression when inked and pressed on paper.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Shorthand

To use a brief or shortened way of saying or doing something.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

Such pieces considered as a group.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Shorthand

(intransitive) To write in shorthand.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

Printed or typewritten characters; print:Let's see how your letter looks in type.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Shorthand

A compendious and rapid method or writing by substituting characters, abbreviations, or symbols, for letters, words, etc.; short writing; stenography. See Illust. under Phonography.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

A size or style of printed or typewritten characters; a typeface:a sans-serif type.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Shorthand

A method of writing rapidly
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

A pattern, a design, or an image impressed or stamped onto the face of a coin.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Shorthand

Written in abbreviated or symbolic form;
Shorthand notes
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

To write (something) using a typewriter.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

To input (something) manually on an electronic device, especially by using a keyboard.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

To assign to a category; classify or characterize:a political candidate who was typed as indecisive.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

To determine the antigenic characteristics of (a blood or tissue sample).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

To typecast:an actor afraid of being typed as a gangster.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

To write with a typewriter or computer keyboard.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

Assigning or classification by type.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

The act of typing on a keyboard.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

Present participle of type
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

Writing done with a typewriter
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Typing

The action of writing using a keyboard.
She spent the afternoon typing up her report.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023

Typing

A method for producing written material electronically.
Most people prefer typing to handwriting these days.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

FAQs

Is typing faster than shorthand?

Typing can be faster but shorthand is often quicker for capturing spoken words.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023

Is shorthand still relevant?

Shorthand is still used in specific professions like court reporting.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

What professions use shorthand?

Journalism, court reporting, and transcription services often use shorthand.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023

Do I need special training for shorthand?

Yes, shorthand typically requires specialized training.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Can shorthand be personalized?

Yes, shorthand allows for personal abbreviations and symbols.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

What is typing?

Typing is entering text by pressing keys on a keyboard.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Is typing standardized?

Yes, typing uses a universal set of characters.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Is typing a universal skill?

Typing is widely applicable across various professional and personal settings.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023

What is shorthand?

Shorthand is a rapid writing system using symbols and abbreviations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

How do you improve typing?

Typing can be improved through regular practice and touch typing techniques.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Can typing be automated?

Yes, typing can be automated through software, unlike shorthand.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

Is shorthand a form of art?

Some consider shorthand to be an art form due to its unique symbols.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023

Is touch typing necessary?

Not necessary, but it enhances typing speed and accuracy.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023

Which is older, shorthand or typing?

Shorthand is older, with roots going back to ancient civilizations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023

How do you learn shorthand?

Shorthand is learned through courses and practice.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

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