Prolonged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prolonged

[prəˈlɔŋdɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

extended period of time

Continuing for a long time or longer than usual; lengthy.

Synonyms

extended, lengthy, protracted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prolonged	Suitable for situations where an event or state lasts longer than expected or usual, often implying difficulty or discomfort. The country endured a prolonged period of economic recession. She experienced prolonged pain after the surgery.
extended	Appropriate when something is made to last longer than initially intended or planned, often in a neutral or slightly positive sense. The deadline for the project has been extended by two weeks. They enjoyed an extended vacation in the mountains.
lengthy	Best used when describing something that takes a long time, often implying a sense of it being excessively long or tedious. The meeting was very lengthy and unproductive. He delivered a lengthy speech that bored the audience.
protracted	Most appropriate for situations where something is drawn out over a long period, often implying unnecessary prolongation or complexity. The negotiations were protracted due to disagreements on both sides. They endured a protracted legal battle.

Examples of usage

The prolonged drought caused severe water shortages in the region.
She suffered from prolonged illness, but eventually recovered.
The prolonged negotiations finally led to a peace agreement.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to lengthen or extend in duration

To lengthen in time or extend the duration of.

Synonyms

extend, lengthen, prolong, protract.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prolonged	Used to describe something that continues for a long time or longer than expected. The meeting had a prolonged discussion on the budget He experienced prolonged periods of stress
lengthen	Specific to increasing the duration of time or the length of an object, can be used in both formal and informal settings. He plans to lengthen his daily workout routine The company is planning to lengthen the contract period
extend	Used when making something last longer in terms of time or when stretching out a physical object or space. We decided to extend our stay by a few days They extended the deadline for submissions
protract	Used in more formal or academic settings, often implying unnecessary or tedious extension. The negotiation process was protracted and exhausting The legal battle protracted over several years
prolong	Often used to describe deliberately making something continue longer, generally in formal contexts. They want to prolong the operation to ensure all issues are addressed Stress can prolong the recovery time

Examples of usage

The doctor prescribed medication to prolong the patient's life.
The decision to postpone the event will prolong the planning process.
Adding more fuel to the fire will only prolong the burning process.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Prolonged stress can have serious effects on mental health, contributing to anxiety and depression.
Studies show that prolonged exposure to stressors can lead to burnout, impacting productivity and well-being.
On the flip side, prolonged positive experiences can lead to increased happiness and overall satisfaction.

Health

Prolonged sitting has been linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease and obesity.
In medical practice, prolonged symptoms may indicate chronic conditions that require extended treatment.
Balancing periods of prolonged activity with rest is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health.

Literature

Many novels and stories use 'prolonged' situations to build suspense, keeping readers on edge.
Poetry often reflects on the beauty or agony of prolonged moments, creating a vivid emotional experience.
The concept of heightened time in storytelling gives readers a sense of depth in character development.

Technology

In computing, prolonged usage without breaks can lead to reduced system performance and increased risk of crashes.
Prolonged data retention, while useful for analysis, can raise privacy concerns regarding personal information.
In user experience (UX) design, understanding how users engage with prolonged interactions can improve interface effectiveness.

Origin of 'prolonged'

Main points about word origin

This word comes from the Latin 'prolongare,' meaning 'to extend in time.'
The prefix 'pro-' means 'for' or 'forward,' while 'long' refers to duration or distance.
It first appeared in English in the late 16th century, establishing its usage in context of time.

The word 'prolonged' originates from the Latin word 'prolongare', which means 'to lengthen'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of prolonging something has been significant throughout history, whether it be prolonging life, a process, or a period of time. The adjective 'prolonged' is commonly used in various contexts to describe something that continues for an extended period, while the verb 'prolong' is used to indicate the act of extending the duration of something.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,466, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4463 literally
4464 disturbed
4465 insight
4466 prolonged
4467 gather
4468 shirt
4469 correspond
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