lengthen
Lengthen (verb) means to make something longer, or to become longer. Example: “The tailor lengthened the trousers by two inches.”
How to use lengthen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo extend something in length, whether that's clothing, a schedule, or the daylight hours.
Word forms
lengthened past tense, lengthens singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The tailor _____ the trousers by two inches.
Etymology
From length + -en.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for lengthen
See all rhymes for lengthen →Frequently asked questions
What does “lengthen” mean?
The word “lengthen” means to make something longer, or to become longer. In plain terms, to extend something in length, whether that's clothing, a schedule, or the daylight hours.
How do you pronounce “lengthen”?
“Lengthen” is pronounced LEHNG-thuhn (/ˈlɛŋθən/ in IPA).
How do you use “lengthen” in a sentence?
Here is “lengthen” used in a sentence: “The tailor lengthened the trousers by two inches.”
What is another word for “lengthen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lengthen” include elongate, draw out, enlengthen, extend, produce and prolong.
What is the opposite of “lengthen”?
The opposite of “lengthen” — its antonyms — are shorten, abbreviate, abridge, amputate and breviate.
What part of speech is “lengthen”?
“Lengthen” is a verb.
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