Overlong Meaning: Definition and Examples
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overlong
[ˌoʊvərˈlɔŋ ]
Definition
duration, length
Overlong describes something that is excessively long or prolonged beyond what is considered normal or acceptable. This term can apply to various contexts such as speeches, films, texts, or any items where length might be more than what is needed or desired. In literature, for instance, an overlong novel may struggle to maintain the reader's interest due to its excessive length.
Synonyms
drawn-out, excessive, lengthy, prolonged, sustained.
Examples of usage
- The overlong presentation bored the audience.
- I found the overlong book challenging to finish.
- Her overlong speech caused many to lose focus.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many authors and poets debate the 'overlong' nature of certain literary works, debating if longer texts can dilute impact.
- Some famous novels, including 'Moby Dick', have faced criticism for being overlong yet are considered classics.
Film and Media
- In the film industry, movies overlong in runtime often risk losing audience engagement, leading to a trend for tighter editing.
- Critics sometimes refer to certain film adaptations of books as overlong due to their adherence to every detail of the source material.
Psychology
- Studies show that attention spans can wane after a certain length of time, making overlong presentations less effective.
- In the realm of communication, research indicates that messages perceived as overlong may lose their persuasive power.
Art
- In the visual arts, an overlong exhibition or display can overwhelm visitors, diluting the impact of individual pieces.
- Artists often face critiques about overlong installations which can leave viewers disengaged or fatigued.
Origin of 'overlong'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'over' meaning excessive and 'long', deriving from Old English 'lang', which means length.
- It first appeared in texts in the late 15th century, describing narratives, performances, or other lengthy things.
The word 'overlong' is a compound of 'over', which comes from Old English 'ofer' meaning 'beyond' or 'above', and 'long', which has its origins in Old English 'lang', meaning 'of great length or extent'. The combination of these terms reflects the idea of something that goes beyond what is typically long. The usage of 'overlong' can be traced back to the mid-20th century in English, appearing mainly in informal contexts to describe anything that exceeds normal expectations of duration. The term highlights a common perception in language and culture regarding the balance between quality and quantity, often suggesting that longer does not necessarily mean better.