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Prolonged: meaning, definitions and examples

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prolonged

 

[ prəˈlɔŋdɪd ]

Adjective / Verb
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?

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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?

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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

Translations of the word "prolonged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prolongado

🇮🇳 लंबा

🇩🇪 verlängert

🇮🇩 berkepanjangan

🇺🇦 тривалий

🇵🇱 przedłużony

🇯🇵 長引いた

🇫🇷 prolongé

🇪🇸 prolongado

🇹🇷 uzatılmış

🇰🇷 연장된

🇸🇦 ممتد

🇨🇿 prodloužený

🇸🇰 predĺžený

🇨🇳 延长的

🇸🇮 podaljšan

🇮🇸 langvarandi

🇰🇿 ұзартылған

🇬🇪 გახანგრძლივებული

🇦🇿 uzadılmış

🇲🇽 prolongado

Etymology

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.

See also: prolongation, prolongedly.

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.