Lengthened: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when something has been made longer in terms of time or physical dimensions. It is often used in more formal contexts and can apply to various scenarios such as clothing, text, or time periods.

• The dress was lengthened to fit her height.
• The meeting was lengthened by an hour.

This word appears frequently when talking about increasing the range, scope, or duration of something. It is versatile and can apply to offers, deadlines, physical dimensions, and even goodwill.

• They decided to extend the deadline for the project.
• He extended his hand in greeting.
• The company plans to extend its services to new areas.

Prolong is typically used with a slightly negative connotation, referring to making something last longer than necessary, especially something unpleasant or unwanted.

• The medication was used to prolong the patient's life.
• He tried to prolong the debate to avoid making a decision.

This word is often used informally to refer to making something longer physically by pulling it or figuratively to make limited resources last longer. It can also refer to acting to the limit of one's abilities or resources.

• She managed to stretch the fabric to fit the chair.
• The budget was stretched to cover all expenses.
• The team had to stretch their skills to complete the project.

Usually refers to making something physically longer or extending the duration of time. Often used in a neutral or descriptive way.

• The skirt was lengthened to fit her height.
• The meeting was lengthened by an extra hour.

Typically used to refer to extending the duration of something, usually in a context that suggests an effort or intention. It can have a negative connotation if implying something undesirable is lasting longer than expected.

• The medication will help to prolong his life.
• Bad weather can prolong the flight delays.

Used to describe the act of making something longer or larger in space or time. Commonly used in formal contexts or instructions.

• We need to extend the deadline for the project.
• The bridge will be extended to cover the new highway.

Often used to describe making something physically longer by pulling it apart. Can also mean to extend something, usually in a more casual or informal manner.

• She stretched the dough to fit the baking pan.
• We decided to stretch our vacation by a few more days.

Used when something has been made longer in time or physical measurement.

• The meeting was lengthened by an extra hour
• The skirt was lengthened to cover her knees

Describes the size, length, or degree of something, often used in abstract contexts.

• The extent of the damage was shocking
• She did not realize the full extent of his dedication

Refers to the space between two points, often used in geographical or spatial contexts.

• The distance between the two cities is 100 miles
• They kept their distance from the wild animal

Can refer to making something longer or extending it, often implying flexibility or elasticity. Can also refer to a continuous period of time or length of space.

• She needs to stretch the dough before baking
• There is a long stretch of highway ahead