duration

[ doo-rey-shuhn, dyoo- ]

noun

1. the length of time something continues or exists (often used with the ).
2. continuance in time.
3. (in the philosophy of Bergson) a temporal continuum, intuitively known, within which the élan vital operates.

duration

/ djʊˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the length of time that something lasts or continues

Derived Forms

• duˈrational, adjective

Other Words From

• du·ration·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of duration¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin dūrātiōn-, stem of dūrātiō, from Latin dūrāt(us) “lasted” (past participle of dūrāre “to last”; dure ² ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of duration¹

C14: from Medieval Latin dūrātiō, from Latin dūrāre to last

Example Sentences

For the entire duration of the hours I spent inside San Pedro I noticed my abdominal muscles remained perpetually clenched.

From The Daily Beast

Overall, the average duration of illness at sampling was nine days.

From The Daily Beast

Every couple, regardless of racial makeup, will hear this question countless times through the duration of their relationship.

From The Daily Beast

In Illinois, such intervention programs last a minimum of 26 weeks; other states require the duration to last at least a year.

From The Daily Beast

“Regularity is more important than duration so that it integrates into the mind and body,” says Cruikshank.

From The Daily Beast

Will this position be permanent or will its duration be limited practically to the period of the war?

From Project Gutenberg

Water was also found in many other parts, but all the runs appeared to be of temporary duration.

From Project Gutenberg

The policy of the law has changed in this regard, and the duration of their existence is limited to a comparatively short period.

From Project Gutenberg

Snow falls very infrequently except in the mountain areas and usually is of short duration whenever it appears.

From Project Gutenberg

More generally, leases of doubtful duration are construed in favor of the tenants.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• continuation
• extent
• period
• span