prolong
/prəˈlɒŋɡ/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To make something last longer in time.
- The argument prolonged the discussion for hours.
- The medication prolonged his life.
Adinary Nuance
Distinguish prolong from extend. Use prolong for time or life, not physical length; extend works for space and time. Choose prolong when focusing on delaying an end.
In other languages
- Spanish
- Prolongar
- Japanese
- 延ばす
- Korean
- 연장하다
- Vietnamese
- Dãn dài
- Chinese
- 延长
Etymology
From Old French *prolongier*, from Latin *prolongare* ‘lengthen,’ showing the idea of lengthening time.
Common phrases
prolong the debateprolong the meetingprolong the warrantyprolong suffering
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between *prolong* and *extend*?
- Is *prolong* formal or informal?
- How do I use *prolong* in a sentence?
- Can *prolong* describe life or pain?