Word
prolong
Phoneticspro·long, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈɫɔŋ/
UK/pɹəlˈɒŋ/
Definitions
01to extend in time
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make something last for a longer time than expected or planned.
v. to extend the duration of an event, state, or condition. Transitive — requires a direct object.
“The meeting was supposed to end at noon, but the debate prolonged it by an hour.”
“The administration sought to prolong the negotiations in hopes that a favorable economic shift would strengthen their bargaining position.”
Usage
Commonly used with abstract nouns like 'life', 'stay', 'agony', or 'negotiations'.
02to extend in space
C1 · Advanced Formal · Technical
v. to make something physically longer.
v. to extend the physical length or reach of a line or object.
“The architect decided to prolong the line of the roof to create more shade.”
“The surveyor explained how to prolong the boundary line across the uneven terrain using precise laser measurements.”
Usage
Often used in geometry, architecture, or technical drawing contexts.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Macrophages may remain locked in pro-inflammatory states instead of moving toward repair, prolonging tissue damage and preventing the wound from progressing normally.” Etymology
Either a back-formation from prolongation, or from Old French prolonguer or porloignier, from Latin prōlongō, from prō + longō. Doublet of purloin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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