Pronunciation

/lɒŋ/

Definitions

• Adjective: Having great length; extending for a considerable distance. For example: “The river runs for a long distance through the forest.”
  • Also used to indicate a duration of time: “We spent a long weekend at the beach.”
  • Describing something that is more extended than usual in terms of size, shape, or duration: “She has long hair.”
  • Metaphorical use: “A long history of friendship between the two countries.”
• Adverb: For a considerable distance or period of time. Example: “The train ran long into the night.”
  • In certain expressions: “Long after the sun had set”, “long before anyone arrived”.

Phrases

• “In the long run” suggests a future point where the ultimate effects of actions or decisions become clear.
• “Long story short” precedes a summary of a lengthy narrative.
• “Long time no see” is an informal greeting used when one hasn’t seen someone for a while.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “The road was so long that it took us hours to drive to our destination.”
• “She wore a beautiful dress with a long, flowing skirt.”
• Adverb: “I haven’t spoken to him since he left town; that was long ago.”
• “The movie lasted so long that some people started leaving before it ended.”

Synonyms

• Lengthy (adj.)
• Extended (adj.)
• Prolonged (adj./adv.)
• Far (adv.)
• Enduring (adj.)
• Big (in informal contexts for duration)
• Tall (when referring to height)