lengthen
(Of time)
[verb]
Synonyms: extend, continue, draw out, elongate, expand, increase, prolong, protract, spin out, stretch

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Antonyms: shorten, abbreviate

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English Thesaurus: prolong, lengthen, extend, drag something ou

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

length‧en /ˈleŋθən/ verb [intransitive and transitive]
[Word Family: adverb: lengthwise, lengthways; adjective: lengthening, lengthy; verb: lengthen; noun: length]
to make something longer or to become longer Antonym : shorten:
Can you lengthen this skirt for me?
The days lengthened as summer approached.

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In everyday English, people usually say that something gets longer rather than lengthens:
The days began to get longer.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

lengthen
verb
BAD: The question is whether doctors should lengthen life when there is no hope of recovery.
GOOD: The question is whether doctors should prolong life when there is no hope of recovery.

Usage Note:
lengthen = make something longer; become longer: 'We can use the old curtains, but they'll have to be lengthened.' 'As evening fell, the shadows lengthened.'
prolong = prevent a feeling, activity or life from ending: 'He asked her another question just to prolong the conversation.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲

prolong to make something last longer:
The issue divided the country and prolonged the civil war.
Successful treatment is prolonging people's lives.
No one wants to prolong the violence.
This would only prolong the unhappiness she felt.
lengthen to make something last longer than the usual time:
They suggested lengthening the training period for new teachers.
New security measures have lengthened the time passengers spend in airports.
extend to make something that is coming to an end continue for a longer period of time – used especially about official arrangements such as contracts and visas:
They agreed to extend his contract by a year.
The offer has been extended for a further fourteen days.
I applied to extend my visa.
drag something out to make a situation or event last longer than necessary:
I wish they'd make a decision and not keep dragging it out.
Each side accused the other of dragging out the negotiations.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲