Words / C1

pr-uh-TRAKT/prəˈtrækt/

To protract is to make something last longer than is necessary: protract an unstaffed sitting, protract a gap. Prolong (already in the dictionary) is the close twin; kindness-talk does not name a spare.

Meaning

To make something last longer than necessary (from prolong, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “Do not protract an unstaffed sitting “to be kind”; name the spare.”
• “Prolong is already in this course. Extend is already in this course. Kind is a slogan. A name on the log is cover. Write the name; then keep the kindness if the sitting still stands.”

Good to know

Draw out; make it last longer. Close: prolong (already in the dictionary). “Kind” ≠ a named spare.

Near in meaning

prolong, extend, draw out

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