Lengthy

Definition

Extending for a long distance or period of time; long.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɛŋkθi/
• Respelling: LENGTH-ee (with "LENGTH" as in "length" and "ee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɛŋθi/
• Respelling: LENGTH-ee (with "LENGTH" as in "length" and "ee" as in "see")

In both dialects, "lengthy" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LENGTH." The pronunciation is very similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "LENGTH-ee."

Etymology

The term "lengthy" is derived from the Old English word "lengthu" meaning "length, long duration", which in turn comes from the base of "lang" meaning "long". The suffix "-y" was added to signify the characteristic of being long.

Derivatives

• Lengthiness
• Lengthen
• Lengthily
• Lengthened
• Lengthening

Synonyms

• Prolonged
• Extended
• Long

Antonyms

• Short
• Brief
• Concise

Usage

Lengthy is commonly used to describe something that takes a long time or is extended in duration or size. It is often used in contexts such as speeches, documents, meetings, or processes.

Related Terms

• Long
• Extension
• Duration
• Continuation
• Span

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Lengthy (Adjective): Of considerable or unusual length, especially in time.
  • Example: "The committee meeting was very lengthy, lasting over four hours."

• Lengthy (Adjective): Having or being a great length; long.
  • Example: "She wrote a lengthy letter to explain her situation."