Lasted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lasted

[læs.tɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

duration of time

The word 'lasted' is the past tense of the verb 'last'. It refers to the duration something endured or continued over a period of time. This can apply to many scenarios such as the lifespan of an event, item, or emotion. For example, one might say that a concert lasted for two hours. It often implies that something held out against potential end or change.

Synonyms

continued, endured, persisted.

Examples of usage

  • The meeting lasted for three hours.
  • The storm lasted through the night.
  • Their friendship lasted for decades.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Reference

  • Songs often talk about love that 'lasted' a lifetime, highlighting the emotional connections that endure beyond time.
  • In movies, people often reflect on how long certain events or feelings lasted, illustrating themes of nostalgia and memory.
  • Cultural narratives frequently explore what it means for value or tradition to last through generations.

Science

  • In environmental science, the concept of how long certain materials last in nature helps us understand pollution and sustainability.
  • Studies in psychology examine how long feelings or memories last and how they change over time.
  • In physics, the term is used to describe the duration of elements in reactions and decay processes.

Literature

  • In poetry, lasting emotions or imagery are often emphasized to convey deep meanings and experiences.
  • Famous literary works frequently discuss the concept of how long love, faith, and hope can last, using 'lasted' as a pivotal theme.
  • Authors often use the concept of lasting legacies to express the idea that some stories and achievements endure in human memory.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people tend to remember experiences that lasted longer, affecting their perceptions and emotions.
  • The feeling of nostalgia can influence how long we believe certain pleasant memories lasted, even if they were short-lived.
  • Psychologists study the impact of duration on happiness, specifically how long enjoyable activities last and their effect on well-being.

Origin of 'lasted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lasted' comes from the Old English 'lǣstan', which means to endure or continue.
  • In its original form, it was used to describe something that remains or is left over after others have gone.
  • The word has evolved over centuries, maintaining its core meaning of duration and endurance.

The word 'last' comes from the Old English 'lastan', which meant 'to endure, remain, or continue.' It is derived from Proto-Germanic '*laistwōną', which is related to similar forms in other Germanic languages. Over time, 'last' evolved to emphasize the idea of time duration, leading to the formation of its past tense, 'lasted'. The transition from Old English to Middle English saw enhancements in pronunciation and spelling, eventually culminating in the Modern English form we use today. The concept embodied in 'last' has always conveyed the importance of endurance or continuation in various contexts, emphasizing how moments, objects, or experiences can persist through time.


Word Frequency Rank

At #5,555 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.