Shorthand vs. Typing: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 29, 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Quick handwriting using symbols
Text entry via keyboard
Purpose
Speed in manual writing
Speed and efficiency in digital text entry
Training
Requires learning specific symbols
Requires learning touch typing
Applicability
Specific professional settings
Universal across various settings
Standardization
Can be personalized
Uses a universal set of characters
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Shorthand and Typing Definitions
Shorthand
A way to jot down notes quickly.
Students sometimes use shorthand during lectures.
Typing
An act of data input using a keyboard.
Typing errors can lead to misunderstandings.
Shorthand
A form of writing that aids transcription.
Shorthand is often used to transcribe speeches.
Typing
A skill involving speed and accuracy on a keyboard.
His typing speed was impressive.
Shorthand
A specialized form of writing for stenography.
Court reporters often use shorthand.
Typing
Text entry for digital documents.
Typing is essential for modern office work.
Shorthand
A fast writing method using symbols and abbreviations.
The journalist used shorthand to keep up with the interview.
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.
Shorthand
A system designed for capturing spoken words.
Shorthand was indispensable before voice recording technology.
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.
Shorthand
A system of rapid handwriting employing symbols to represent words, phrases, and letters.
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).
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).
Typing
A person regarded as exemplifying a particular profession, rank, or social group:a group of executive types; a restaurant frequented by tourist types.
Shorthand
A rough and rapid method of writing by substituting symbols for letters, words, etc.
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.
Shorthand
(by extension) Any brief or shortened way of saying or doing something.
The jargon becomes a shorthand for these advanced concepts.
Typing
(Biology)The type specimen, type species, or type genus, which serves as the basis for the name of a species, genus, or family.
Shorthand
(transitive) To render (spoken or written words) into shorthand.
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.
Shorthand
To use a brief or shortened way of saying or doing something.
Typing
Such pieces considered as a group.
Shorthand
(intransitive) To write in shorthand.
Typing
Printed or typewritten characters; print:Let's see how your letter looks in type.
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.
Typing
A size or style of printed or typewritten characters; a typeface:a sans-serif type.
Shorthand
A method of writing rapidly
Typing
A pattern, a design, or an image impressed or stamped onto the face of a coin.
Shorthand
Written in abbreviated or symbolic form;
Shorthand notes
Typing
To write (something) using a typewriter.
Typing
To input (something) manually on an electronic device, especially by using a keyboard.
Typing
To assign to a category; classify or characterize:a political candidate who was typed as indecisive.
Typing
To determine the antigenic characteristics of (a blood or tissue sample).
Typing
To typecast:an actor afraid of being typed as a gangster.
Typing
To write with a typewriter or computer keyboard.
Typing
Assigning or classification by type.
Typing
The act of typing on a keyboard.
Typing
Present participle of type
Typing
Writing done with a typewriter
Typing
The action of writing using a keyboard.
She spent the afternoon typing up her report.
Typing
A method for producing written material electronically.
Most people prefer typing to handwriting these days.
FAQs
Is typing faster than shorthand?
Typing can be faster but shorthand is often quicker for capturing spoken words.
Is shorthand still relevant?
Shorthand is still used in specific professions like court reporting.
What professions use shorthand?
Journalism, court reporting, and transcription services often use shorthand.
Do I need special training for shorthand?
Yes, shorthand typically requires specialized training.
Can shorthand be personalized?
Yes, shorthand allows for personal abbreviations and symbols.
What is typing?
Typing is entering text by pressing keys on a keyboard.
Is typing standardized?
Yes, typing uses a universal set of characters.
Is typing a universal skill?
Typing is widely applicable across various professional and personal settings.
What is shorthand?
Shorthand is a rapid writing system using symbols and abbreviations.
How do you improve typing?
Typing can be improved through regular practice and touch typing techniques.
Can typing be automated?
Yes, typing can be automated through software, unlike shorthand.
Is shorthand a form of art?
Some consider shorthand to be an art form due to its unique symbols.
Is touch typing necessary?
Not necessary, but it enhances typing speed and accuracy.
Which is older, shorthand or typing?
Shorthand is older, with roots going back to ancient civilizations.
How do you learn shorthand?
Shorthand is learned through courses and practice.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
