Long: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate for general use, to describe something that has considerable length or duration.

• She wore a long dress to the party.
• The speech was long and detailed.

Often used when something seems longer than necessary. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

• The meeting was quite lengthy and boring.
• He gave a lengthy explanation that confused everyone.

Describes something that continues for a long time, often longer than desired or expected, and often has a negative connotation.

• They suffered a prolonged period of drought.
• The argument led to a prolonged silence.

Used when something has been lengthened beyond the usual or originally planned time or size.

• The deadline was extended by two weeks.
• They enjoyed an extended vacation in Europe.

Sometimes repeated mistakenly; usually refers to extended duration or length.

• That movie was very long
• We've had a long relationship

Used to describe a great distance, either physically or metaphorically, often focusing on the extent of separation.

• She lives far from here
• The technology is far ahead of its time

Used to describe something in a thorough or comprehensive manner, often covering a wide area or range.

• He has traveled extensively
• The report was researched extensively

Used to describe the length of something that extends a considerable distance or duration.

• The wait felt long
• She wore a long dress to the party

Often used to describe items that extend to the full length of the body, particularly in fashion or design.

• He watched the full-length film in one sitting
• She admired her reflection in the full-length mirror

Typically used to describe dresses or skirts that are very long, usually reaching the ankles or floor. Common in fashion contexts.

• She chose a beautiful maxi dress for the summer wedding
• The maxi skirt was perfect for the beach