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Lengthiest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lengthiest

[หˆlษ›ล‹kฮธiหŒษ›st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

relative degree

Lengthiest is the superlative form of the adjective lengthy, which describes something that is the longest in extent or duration. It is used to indicate that among a group or category, one item has the greatest length or duration compared to the others.

Synonyms

greatest length, longest, most extended.

Examples of usage

  • This is the lengthiest book I've ever read.
  • The lengthiest meeting lasted over four hours.
  • He gave the lengthiest explanation during the presentation.
  • Out of all the films, this one has the lengthiest runtime.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In geometry, the concept of length is crucial in defining shapes and sizes, establishing dimensions.
  • Length is one of the fundamental dimensions in physics, playing a key role in calculations concerning distance and time.
  • Various units measure length, including inches, meters, and miles, emphasizing its universal importance.

Linguistics

  • The structure of the word 'lengthiest' highlights the use of comparatives and superlatives in English language formation.
  • Many languages express comparison and superlative distinctions differently, showcasing linguistic diversity.
  • In poetry and rhetoric, 'lengthiest' can serve as a metaphor for depth or complexity in ideas.

Cultural References

  • 'The lengthiest novels,' like 'War and Peace,' challenge readers but are celebrated for their depth.
  • In sports, the concept of 'lengthiest' may refer to records like the longest throw or the longest race.
  • Longest films, often clocking in at over four hours, typically receive recognition at film festivals.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that longer tasks can lead to increased fatigue, impacting human cognition and performance.
  • Cognitive overload may occur when presented with lengthy information, affecting retention and understanding.
  • The perception of length is influenced by time perception studies, revealing how our brain processes duration.

Origin of 'lengthiest'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'length' comes from Old English 'lengรฐ', which signifies extent or measurement.
  • The suffix '-iest' is used to form the superlative of adjectives, indicating the highest degree.
  • In Middle English, lengthiest was often used descriptively for both physical lengths and durations.

The term 'lengthiest' derives from the adjective 'lengthy', which comes from the noun 'length'. The root 'length' traces its origin back to Old English 'length', which has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch 'lengte' and German 'Lรคnge'. The superlative form 'lengthiest' was formed by adding the suffix '-iest' to 'lengthy', following standard English rules for creating superlatives. 'Lengthy' itself entered the English lexicon in the 15th century, originally meaning not only long but also implying a considerable amount of time or duration. This evolution reflects societal changes where the concept of length in both physical objects and abstract ideas, such as time and discussions, has become increasingly relevant.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,639, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.