Lengthen - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Lengthen means to make something longer in distance, duration, or extent. It can refer to physical objects, like stretching a rope, or abstract concepts, like extending time.
Definition:
To make or become longer in duration or physical extent.
Synonyms:
extend, prolong, stretch, elongate
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
shorten, abbreviate
Common Collocations:
lengthen a skirt, lengthen the time, lengthen the distance
Derivatives:
length, lengthy, lengthening
Usage Tips:
Use "lengthen" for physical extension or time increase; avoid for abstract concepts like "story."
Common Phrases:
lengthen one's stride, lengthen the odds, lengthen the leash
Etymology:
Derived from Old English "lengþu" (length) + "-en" (verb-forming suffix).
Examples:
- 1. The tailor will lengthen my dress by two inches.
- 2. Exercises can help lengthen your muscles over time.
- 3. They decided to lengthen the meeting by an hour.
- 4. The days begin to lengthen in spring.