Word
longer
US/ˈɫɔŋɡɝ/
UK/lˈɒŋɡɐ/
Definitions
01greater length or time
A1 · Beginner
adj. having more length or lasting for more time than something else.
adj. the comparative form of 'long', indicating a greater extent in space or time.
“The new sofa is much longer than the old one, so it won't fit.”
“The research team requested a longer observation period to ensure the seasonal variations did not skew their final results.”
Usage
Usually followed by 'than' when comparing two specific things.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02for a greater duration
A1 · Beginner
adv. for a more extended period of time.
adv. the comparative form of 'long', referring to a greater duration of time.
“I had to wait much longer for the bus today than I did yesterday.”
“Although the procedure took longer than the surgeon initially anticipated, the patient remained stable throughout the operation.”
Usage
Often used in the negative 'no longer' to mean something has stopped happening.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03one who yearns
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary
n. a person who wants or misses something very much.
n. an agent noun referring to a person who longs, yearns, or feels a strong desire for something.
“He was a longer for the quiet days of his childhood.”
“In his poetry, he depicts himself as a perpetual longer for a homeland that no longer exists.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “longer” in context.
Verb
01. longer exist
“Many traditional shops no longer exist in this part of the city.”
adv + verb
02. longer require
“We no longer require your assistance with this project.”
adv + verb
Adjective
03. longer valid
“Please note that your old parking permit is no longer valid.”
adv + adj
Etymology
From Middle English longer, longere, normalisation of Middle English lenger, lengere (“longer”), from Old English lengra (“longer”), from Proto-Germanic langizô (“longer”), comparative of Proto-Germanic langaz (“long”), equivalent to long + -er. Cognate with Saterland Frisian laanger (“longer”), West Frisian langer (“longer”), Dutch langer (“longer”), German länger (“longer”), Danish længere (“longer”), Swedish längre (“longer”), Icelandic lengri (“longer”).
From long (“yearn”) + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 2
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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