longer
Longer (adjective) means the comparative form of "long"; extending further in distance or time. Example: “This route is longer but has much better views.”
How to use longer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMore long — used to compare distances or durations.
Word forms
longers plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
This route is _____ but has much better views.
Etymology
From Middle English longer, longere, normalisation of Middle English lenger, lengere (“longer”), from Old English lengra (“longer”), from Proto-Germanic *langizô (“longer”), comparative of Proto-Germanic *langaz (“long”), equivalent to long + -er. Cognate with Saterland Frisian laanger (“longer”), West Frisian langer (“longer”), Dutch langer (“longer”), German länger (“longer”), Danish længere (“longer”), Swedish längre (“longer”), Icelandic lengri (“longer”).
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for longer
See all rhymes for longer →Frequently asked questions
What does “longer” mean?
The word “longer” means the comparative form of "long"; extending further in distance or time. In plain terms, more long — used to compare distances or durations.
How do you pronounce “longer”?
“Longer” is pronounced LONG-uh (/ˈlɔŋ.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “longer” in a sentence?
Here is “longer” used in a sentence: “This route is longer but has much better views.”
What part of speech is “longer”?
“Longer” is an adjective.
Is “longer” a common word?
“Longer” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'long' and 'longer'?
'Long' is the base adjective, describing something with great length in distance or time. 'Longer' is its comparative form, used to compare two things — one extends further than the other. A road can be long, but a second road can be longer still. Use 'longer' whenever you are measuring one thing against another.
Is it correct to say 'more long' instead of 'longer'?
No. Because 'long' is a short, one-syllable adjective, its comparative is formed by adding -er, giving 'longer.' Saying 'more long' is ungrammatical in standard English. The rule holds for most short adjectives — 'taller,' not 'more tall.' Only longer adjectives, such as 'beautiful,' take 'more' to form the comparative.
What is the opposite of longer?
The opposite of longer is shorter, the comparative of 'short.' Where 'longer' means extending further in distance or time, 'shorter' means extending less. A shorter route covers less ground; a shorter meeting takes less time. The two comparatives are used the same way, simply pointing in opposite directions.
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