lengthen
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
Related Words
Lengthen, extend, stretch, prolong, protract agree in the idea of making longer. To lengthen is to make longer, either in a material or an immaterial sense: to lengthen a dress. To extend is to lengthen beyond some original point or so as to reach a certain point: to extend a railway line by a hundred miles. To stretch is primarily to lengthen by drawing or tension: to stretch a rubber band. Both prolong and protract mean especially to lengthen in time, and therefore apply to intangibles. To prolong is to continue beyond the desired, estimated, or allotted time: to prolong an interview. To protract is to draw out to undue length or to be slow in coming to a conclusion: to protract a discussion.
Other Word Forms
- lengthener noun
- outlengthen verb (used with object)
- unlengthened adjective
Etymology
Origin of lengthen
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Factory activity in New York state contracted in March as delivery times lengthened and supply availability worsened slightly.
Celia lengthens her stride, so I do, too, and up we go, picking up our pace instead of slowing down.
From Literature
The sun was already as good as set, the last wisps of day sliding across the grassy courtyard we affectionally called the Mall to be replaced by the lengthening shadows of twilight.
From Literature
A recent Wall Street Journal report confirms the pricing pressure and lengthening sales cycle narrative.
From MarketWatch
The hole had been a source of controversy all week following the decision to lengthen it from 236 to 273 yards.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
