Prolong: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used when something is being deliberately made to last longer, often with a negative connotation or an implication of unnecessary lengthening.

• The meeting was prolonged due to numerous interruptions.
• They wanted to prolong their stay in the beautiful city.

Usually refers to making something longer in a physical sense or sometimes in time or duration. Often it implies a direct attempt to change the length.

• The tailor had to lengthen the pants to fit the customer.
• The days lengthen as summer approaches.

Used in a very general sense when increasing the length, duration, or scope of something, often with a neutral or positive tone.

• The company decided to extend the deadline by a week.
• He extended his hand in friendship.

Carries a formal or technical tone and often has a negative connotation of making something unpleasant last longer than necessary.

• Negotiations were protracted, leading to frustration among the parties involved.
• The patient's recovery was protracted due to complications.

Used when referring to extending the duration of time, often with a sense of undesirability or necessity.

• The doctor advised that the new medication could prolong her life by several years.
• They decided to prolong their stay at the hotel due to the bad weather.

Often refers to making something physically longer or wider by pulling it, as well as metaphorically expanding limits or capacities.

• You need to stretch the dough before baking it.
• They plan to stretch their budget to cover the new expenses.

Used to make something longer in terms of time, space, or scope, without a negative connotation. Can also mean offering or reaching out.

• They decided to extend their trip by another week.
• She extended her hand to greet him.

Typically used to describe making something physically longer or extended in shape.

• Certain yoga poses can help to elongate the spine.
• The artist chose to elongate the figure's limbs to create a dramatic effect.

Use when you need to make something last longer than usual, often used in medical or technical contexts.

• The doctor decided to prolong the patient's treatment
• The meeting was prolonged due to lengthy discussions

Ideal for situations where something is extended in physical length, duration, or scope, commonly in academic or project-related contexts.

• She asked for an extension on her essay deadline
• The building required an extension to accommodate more classrooms

Often implies unnecessary or excessive prolonging, and can carry a negative connotation.

• The protraction of the negotiations frustrated many people
• The protraction of the war caused widespread suffering

Best used to describe something that keeps going or carries on, especially in a sequence or process.

• The novel is a continuation of the author's previous work
• The project saw a continuation despite the challenges