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.
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.