Lengthy
/ˈleŋθi/
Definitions
Extending for a considerable time or distance; long.
/ˈleŋθi/
Of considerable or unusual length; long.
The movie was quite lengthy, but I enjoyed it.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're waiting for a really, really long time for a bus. That wait is lengthy! Anything that takes a long time or covers a large distance is lengthy.
👶 For kids: When something is lengthy, it means it takes a long time or goes on for a long way. Like, a lengthy story takes a long time to finish!
More Examples
The application process was lengthy, requiring several interviews.
The lengthy discussion went on for hours, but finally resolved the issue.
How It's Used
"A lengthy speech."
"A lengthy novel."
"A lengthy legal process."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English lengthe, length + -y. The suffix '-y' turns the noun 'length' into an adjective.
The word has been used to describe something of significant extent, duration, or distance since the 14th century. It gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in journalistic and legal writing.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'length' and the suffix '-y,' meaning 'characterized by.' A lengthy meeting has a lot of length in time.
Word Origin
"from 'lengþu' (length) + -y (suffix indicating characterized by)"