Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Length Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ“
Add to dictionary

length

[lษ›ล‹ฮธ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

measurement

The measurement or extent of something from end to end; the greater of two or the greatest of three dimensions of a body.

Synonyms

extent, longness, measurement.

Examples of usage

  • The length of the room is 20 feet.
  • She measured the length of the river using a tape measure.
Context #2 | Noun

duration

The amount of time taken to complete an activity or event.

Synonyms

duration, period, time.

Examples of usage

  • The length of the movie is 2 hours.
  • I was surprised by the length of the meeting.
Context #3 | Noun

distance

A piece or stretch of something; the distance between two points.

Synonyms

distance, extent, span.

Examples of usage

  • The length of the journey was exhausting.
  • He determined the length of the field for the game.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, length is a fundamental quantity and is typically measured in units like meters and inches.
  • In geometry, length is crucial for determining the size and shape of objects, influencing area and volume calculations.

Cultural Reference

  • In literature, the 'length' of a story can refer to how drawn out or succinct a narrative is, impacting reader engagement.
  • In the world of textiles, length plays a vital role in fashion design, determining how fabric is cut for clothing.

Mathematics

  • In math, the concept of length is fundamental, often represented with fixtures such as the Pythagorean theorem for calculating distance.
  • Different mathematical shapes have varying formulas for calculating their lengths, such as the circumference of a circle.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people often perceive longer objects as more reliable or trustworthy.
  • In communication, the length of a message can affect its reception; shorter messages are often deemed more effective in our fast-paced world.

Origin of 'length'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'lengtha', which means 'longness'.
  • It is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, like 'lang' in German, emphasizing the idea of being long.

The word 'length' originated from the Old English word 'lengรพu', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic 'langitho'. It has been used in various contexts related to measurement, duration, and distance throughout history. The concept of length has been fundamental in mathematics, physics, and everyday life, influencing fields such as architecture, engineering, and navigation.

See also: lengthen, lengthened, lengthening, lengthily, lengthiness, lengthy.

Word Frequency Rank

At #525 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.