Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Made longer in physical dimension or duration: Describes something that has been extended in length, size, or time beyond its original state. It implies a deliberate or resulting increase in linear extent or temporal span.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The lengthened runway allowed larger jets to land safely. (The runway that was made longer accommodated bigger aircraft.)
  • She wore a dress with a lengthened hem to match the new trend. (Her dress had a hem that was extended in length.)
  • The meeting was a lengthened version of the usual brief update. (The meeting was an extended, longer session than normal.)

Advanced Usage

• "a lengthened shadow": A shadow that appears longer than usual, typically in the early morning or late afternoon.
  • In the evening light, our lengthened shadows danced on the path.
• "a lengthened period of uncertainty": An extended or prolonged duration of an uncertain situation.
  • The economic crisis led to a lengthened period of uncertainty for investors.

Variants and Related Words

• Lengthen (verb): To make or become longer.
  • The tailor can lengthen those trousers for you.
• Length (noun): The measurement of something from end to end.
  • The length of the pool is 25 meters.
• Lengthy (adjective): (Often used for time or speech) Very long, and often too long.
  • We had to sit through a lengthy presentation.

Synonyms

• Extended: Made larger or longer.
• Elongated: Drawn out to a greater length; stretched.
• Prolonged: Extended in time, especially unduly.

Antonyms

• Shortened: Made shorter.
• Reduced: Made smaller or less.
• Abbreviated: Shortened in duration or form.

Related Phrases

• To have one's patience lengthened: (Idiomatic) To have one's patience tested over a long period.
  • The endless delays really lengthened my patience.
• Lengthen the odds: (Primarily British) To increase the statistical odds against something happening, often in betting.
  • The star player's injury lengthened the odds on the team's victory.

Adjective

1. drawn out or made longer spatially
   • Picasso's elongated Don Quixote
   • lengthened skirts are fashionable this year
   • the extended airport runways can accommodate larger planes
   • a prolonged black line across the page