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prolongto make something last longer; to extend the duration of something

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to make something last longer; to extend the duration of something

Pronunciation (IPA): /prəˈlɔːŋ/

Example Sentences

  • The teacher decided to prolong the exam by 30 minutes, much to the students' horror.
  • Medical advances continue to prolong human lifespan significantly.
  • She prolonged her stay at the buffet restaurant until they practically had to roll her out.

prolong

VERB

[/prəˈlɔːŋ/]

to make something last longer; to extend the duration of something

The professor tries to prolong the lecture as students stare at the clock.
💡 Concept

The professor tries to prolong the lecture as students stare at the clock.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/prəˈlɔːŋ/
🇬🇧 UK/prəˈlɒŋ/

🌳Etymology

Prefixpro--
Rootlong

Origin

From Latin 'prolongare', combining 'pro-' (forward) and 'longus' (long). The word entered English via Old French in the 15th century.

Breakdown

pro- (forward, before) + long (long) + -en (verb suffix) = prolong

🎵Rhyme

belongalongstrongwrong
belong
along
strong
wrong

🔗Collocations

prolong the agony
prolong life
prolong a meeting
artificially prolong
prolong the inevitable
prolong suffering

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The teacher decided to prolong the exam by 30 minutes, much to the students' horror.

Medical advances continue to prolong human lifespan significantly.

😄 Fun example

She prolonged her stay at the buffet restaurant until they practically had to roll her out.

The negotiations were prolonged due to disagreements over the contract terms.

😄 Fun example

My mother has a special talent for prolonging goodbyes at the airport for at least 20 minutes.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

extendlengthenprotractstretch outdraw out

Antonyms

shortenabbreviatecurtail

Related

prolongationprolongeddurationextensioncontinuation

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