lengthen
B2Neutral to formal; common in written and spoken English across contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To make something longer, or to become longer in duration or physical dimension.
To extend or prolong something, often in a temporal, spatial, or abstract sense (e.g., time, distance, a process).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb of change (causative/inchoative). Can be transitive (make sth longer) or intransitive (become longer). Often implies a gradual or deliberate process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling remains 'lengthen' in both variants.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slightly more formal than 'make longer'.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. 'Make longer' is a more frequent colloquial alternative.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP ___ NP (transitive)NP ___ (intransitive)___ outVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lengthen your stride (to increase effort or pace)”
- “lengthen the odds (to make something less likely)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for extending timelines, deadlines, or processes. 'We need to lengthen the project cycle by two weeks.'
Academic
Common in scientific writing about physical properties or time. 'The polymer chains lengthen under tension.'
Everyday
Used for clothing, hair, days, queues. 'I'll have to lengthen these trousers.'
Technical
Used in engineering, computing (e.g., arrays), medicine (e.g., limbs). 'The procedure can lengthen the tendon.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The days lengthen in spring.
- Can you lengthen the lead for the dog?
- They decided to lengthen the consultation period.
- The queue lengthened as we waited.
American English
- The shadows lengthen in the afternoon.
- We need to lengthen the timeline for the proposal.
- She had to lengthen her skirt.
- His stride lengthened as he picked up speed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The days lengthen in summer.
- She wants to lengthen her dress.
- The company decided to lengthen the warranty period.
- You can lengthen the rope if it's too short.
- Negotiations were lengthened due to unresolved issues.
- The surgeon can lengthen the bone using a special technique.
- The director lengthened the film's final cut by twenty minutes, altering its pace entirely.
- Economic uncertainty has lengthened the average job search considerably.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LENGTH + EN = to add or give length to something. Similar pattern to 'strengthen' (make strong) and 'widen' (make wide).
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME/SPACE IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT THAT CAN BE STRETCHED. (e.g., 'lengthen the discussion').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from 'удлинять' in all contexts; 'extend' or 'prolong' might be more natural for time. 'Lengthen' for physical/temporal extension, 'increase' for quantity/amount.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lengthen' with abstract nouns where 'extend' or 'expand' is better (e.g., 'lengthen knowledge' is wrong). Confusing spelling with 'length' (noun).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'lengthen' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's commonly used for time and abstract processes (e.g., lengthen a discussion, lengthen the waiting time), though it originates from physical length.
They are often synonyms. 'Extend' has a wider range, including metaphorical use (extend an invitation, extend influence). 'Lengthen' focuses more specifically on increasing linear or temporal duration.
Yes. For example: 'The days are lengthening.' (intransitive) vs. 'The tailor lengthened the sleeves.' (transitive).
No, that is a common spelling mistake. The correct verb is 'lengthen', derived from the noun 'length'.