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REFERENCE

runtime

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate run·time

n. the amount of time a movie, play, or computer program lasts from start to finish.

n. the duration of a performance or the period during which a computer program is executing. Often written as one word in technical and cinematic contexts.


SIMPLE

The movie has a runtime of two hours.

CONTEXTUAL

The software developer optimized the code to reduce the application's runtime and improve the user experience.

COMPLEX

While the director's cut features a three-hour runtime, the theatrical version was edited down to two hours to ensure more frequent daily screenings at local cinemas.

Usage

Usually uncountable when referring to the general period of execution in computing; countable when referring to the specific duration of a film or performance.

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