Lengthen: meaning, definitions and examples

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lengthen

[ ˈlɛŋθən ]

^{Context #1}

to make something longer

To lengthen means to make something longer in distance or time. It can refer to physically extending the length of something, such as a piece of clothing or a road. It can also be used in a figurative sense to indicate an increase in duration or size. Lengthening often involves stretching or expanding the original form.

Synonyms

elongate, extend, prolong, stretch

Examples of usage

The tailor lengthened the sleeves of the jacket.
The days are lengthening as we move into spring.
She decided to lengthen her stay in the city.
The company plans to lengthen the deadline for the project.
The road construction project will lengthen the commute for many drivers.

Translations

Translations of the word "lengthen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alongar

🇮🇳 लंबा करना

🇩🇪 verlängern

🇮🇩 memperpanjang

🇺🇦 подовжувати

🇵🇱 wydłużyć

🇯🇵 伸ばす (nobasu)

🇫🇷 allonger

🇪🇸 alargar

🇹🇷 uzatmak

🇰🇷 길게 하다 (gilge hada)

🇸🇦 إطالة (itāla)

🇨🇿 prodloužit

🇸🇰 predĺžiť

🇨🇳 延长 (yáncháng)

🇸🇮 podaljšati

🇮🇸 lengja

🇰🇿 ұзарту

🇬🇪 გადაგრძელება (gadagrdzeleba)

🇦🇿 uzatmaq

🇲🇽 alargar

Word origin

The word 'lengthen' originated in Middle English from the combination of the words 'length' and the suffix '-en', which is used to form verbs. The concept of increasing the length of something has been a fundamental aspect of human development, from clothing and architecture to timekeeping. The ability to lengthen or extend has been essential for progress and adaptation in various fields.