Shorthand vs. Typing — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
Shorthand is a system of rapid handwriting using symbols; typing is inputting text via a keyboard. Both aid in recording information, but through different mediums and techniques.
Difference Between Shorthand and Typing
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shorthand is an abbreviated symbolic writing method that increases speed and brevity of writing as compared to a normal method of writing a language. Typing, on the other hand, refers to inputting data or text into a computer or typewriter using a set of keys or a keyboard.
Shorthand often uses symbols or abbreviations for words and phrases. This allows individuals to write faster and take real-time notes, such as during a speech or lecture. In contrast, typing requires pressing individual keys that correspond to letters and symbols, which can be done quickly with practice but generally not as fast as shorthand for experienced practitioners.
Shorthand has been historically important for journalists, secretaries, and anyone needing to take fast notes. It can be a secret code for those not familiar with the specific shorthand system used. Typing, meanwhile, is a universally understood method of producing readable text and is essential in most modern professions.
The skill of shorthand is specialized and requires training to both write and read effectively. While typing also requires training, it is a more common skill, and its result (typed text) is instantly readable by anyone familiar with the language and script used.
While shorthand is centered around the speed and efficiency of manual note-taking, typing emphasizes the creation of clean, electronic or printed documents that are easily shared and reproduced.
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Comparison Chart
Medium
Symbols in handwritten format.
Letters and symbols via a keyboard.
Learning Curve
Requires specific training for each system.
Universal; mostly standardized across languages/scripts.
Speed
Extremely fast with practice.
Fast with practice; generally slower than shorthand.
Readability
Limited to those familiar with the system used.
Universally readable if the reader knows the language.
Application
Note-taking, journalism, court reporting.
Document creation, communication, data entry, programming.
Compare with Definitions
Shorthand
A specialized skill for fast note-taking.
Court reporters often use shorthand to transcribe proceedings.
Typing
The act of using a machine, especially a computer, to input data.
Typing has replaced handwriting in many professional settings.
Shorthand
A system of rapid handwriting using symbols.
She took the lecture notes in shorthand to keep up with the speaker.
Typing
Inputting text or data using a keyboard.
She spent the afternoon typing up her research paper.
Shorthand
An abbreviated form of writing.
The doctor used shorthand to quickly jot down patient symptoms.
Typing
Pressing keys to create words or execute commands.
He was typing so fast, his fingers were a blur.
Shorthand
Symbolic representation of words or phrases.
Musical notations can be seen as a shorthand for sound.
Typing
Typing is the process of writing or inputting text by pressing keys on a typewriter, computer keyboard, cell phone, or calculator. It can be distinguished from other means of text input, such as handwriting and speech recognition.
Shorthand
A system of rapid handwriting employing symbols to represent words, phrases, and letters.
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 means to convey information quickly.
Using emoji can be a form of digital shorthand for emotions.
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
Shorthand is an abbreviated symbolic writing method that increases speed and brevity of writing as compared to longhand, a more common method of writing a language. The process of writing in shorthand is called stenography, from the Greek stenos (narrow) and graphein (to write).
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
A method of producing letters and symbols on a screen or paper.
With the advent of computers, typing became an essential skill.
Typing
Producing readable text electronically or in print.
After typing her novel, she sent it to a publisher.
Common Curiosities
What is typing?
Inputting text or data into a device using a keyboard.
Which is faster, shorthand or typing?
Experienced shorthand writers can often write faster than most typists.
What is shorthand?
An abbreviated symbolic writing method that increases writing speed.
Is shorthand still relevant today?
While less common due to technology, it's still used in fields like court reporting.
Can shorthand be used on computers?
Yes, some software allows shorthand input that's then converted to full text.
How can I improve my typing speed?
Practice regularly, use touch typing techniques, and consider typing programs or games.
How do I learn shorthand?
There are courses and books dedicated to different shorthand systems.
How is typing different from handwriting?
Typing involves pressing keys on a device, while handwriting uses pen and paper.
Is shorthand a universal system?
No, there are multiple shorthand systems, and some are language-specific.
What are the benefits of typing?
It produces legible, easily shareable, and editable text.
Do typists use special keyboards?
Some might use ergonomic or mechanical keyboards, but standard ones are common.
Is there a digital equivalent to shorthand?
Some tools and software provide text expansion or predictive text which can be seen as a digital form of shorthand.
Is typing a valuable skill in the modern world?
Absolutely, as it's essential for most computer-based tasks.
How long does it take to master shorthand?
It varies, but with dedicated practice, many can become proficient in a few months.
Why was shorthand invented?
To allow for faster note-taking, especially for transcribing speech in real-time.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
