Words / B1

LENGTH-uh-n/ˈleŋθən/

To lengthen is to become longer or to make something longer. Shorten is the opposite. Length is the noun. Extend is a close twin for time. Rotas: night shifts will lengthen over Christmas.

Meaning

To become longer, or to make something longer.

Examples

• “Night shifts will lengthen over Christmas.”
• “Do not lengthen the quote — paraphrase instead, which is the essay sense.”

Good to know

lengthen + time / a garment / a quote. Opposite: shorten. Close (time): extend. Noun: length. NHS rotas / exam quotes.

Near in meaning

extend

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