Abbreviation, Acronym, or Initialism? Know the Difference.

This is such a simple matter, but so many people use these terms in the wrong way. So, here’s a short and sweet explanation.

First and foremost, ALL acronyms and initialisms are types of abbreviations.

According to the dictionary, an acronym is a word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of words in a set phrase or series of words. And initialism is a set of initials representing a name, organization, or the like. 

Basically, aren't they the same thing? No. Here's the difference. 

In acronyms, the initials like OPEC and NATO become new words, so they're pronounced as words. 

In initialisms, each letter is pronounced as in PBS and HTML.


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