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Lengthening - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Lengthening means making something longer in duration, size, or extent. It can refer to stretching physical objects, extending time periods, or prolonging sounds in speech. The opposite is shortening.

lengthening

/ˈlɛŋθənɪŋ/ /ˈlɛŋθənɪŋ/

Definition:

Making something longer in duration or physical extent.

Synonyms:

Extending, prolonging, stretching, elongating

Part of Speech:

Noun, verb (present participle)

Antonyms:

Shortening, reducing, abbreviating

Common Collocations:

Lengthening shadows, lengthening process, lengthening stride, lengthening days

Derivatives:

Lengthened, lengthener

Usage Tips:

Use "lengthening" to describe the act of making something longer in time or space; often paired with nouns like "process" or "shadows."

Common Phrases:

Lengthening shadows of evening, lengthening the odds, lengthening one's stride

Etymology:

Derived from Old English "lengþu" (length) + "-en" (verb-forming suffix), meaning to make longer.

Examples:

  • 1. The days are lengthening as summer approaches.
  • 2. She practiced lengthening her strides to run faster.
  • 3. The lengthening shadows signaled the approach of dusk.
  • 4. Lengthening the meeting will delay other appointments.

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