bio English · revision 10269

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=clipping|attested=1925|origins=en biography}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈbaɪəʊ/ ''(UK)''; /ˈbaɪoʊ/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a shortening of [[biography]],^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(SOED 2002) its pronunciation probably influenced by [[bio-]] in words such as biochemistry.^(Etymonline) Earlier shortenings were biograph (1865) and biog (1942).^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A biography, first in the phrase ''bio picture'': 1925.^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The OED's first quotation for the shortening is from 1961.^(OED 1989) The SOED also records bio as a colloquial shortening of [[biology]] from the mid-20th century,^(SOED 2002) and Merriam-Webster gives a second shortening from 1943.^(MWU 2024) A short biographical sketch, as in a programme or on a website, is now a common use.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1865 – biograph.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1925 – bio picture.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1942 – biog.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1961 – bio in the OED.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # ''(informal)'' A [[biography]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A short biographical sketch or outline.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[biopic]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[biography]]

+ * [[biology]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}