Prolonged: meaning, definitions and examples
⏳
prolonged
[prəˈlɔŋdɪd ]
Definitions
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.
|
| extended |
Appropriate when something is made to last longer than initially intended or planned, often in a neutral or slightly positive sense.
|
| lengthy |
Best used when describing something that takes a long time, often implying a sense of it being excessively long or tedious.
|
| protracted |
Most appropriate for situations where something is drawn out over a long period, often implying unnecessary prolongation or complexity.
|
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.
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.
|
| lengthen |
Specific to increasing the duration of time or the length of an object, can be used in both formal and informal settings.
|
| extend |
Used when making something last longer in terms of time or when stretching out a physical object or space.
|
| protract |
Used in more formal or academic settings, often implying unnecessary or tedious extension.
|
| prolong |
Often used to describe deliberately making something continue longer, generally in formal contexts.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
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