Vocabulary precision (reference by shortened form): choose the best replacement for “short names only” Original sentence: "There are not many men who are so famous that they are frequently referred to by their short names only." Select the most appropriate single-word substitute.

Given data

• Phrase to refine: “referred to by their short names only”.

Concept/Approach
Initials are the shortened alphabetic representations of a person’s name (e.g., M.K. Gandhi). “Signatures” are handwritten name forms; “pictures” are images; “middle names” are a specific part of a name.

Why “initials” fits
Fame often leads to being referred to by initials alone (e.g., JFK, SRK). This is the precise, idiomatic substitution for “short names only.”

Final Answer
initials