Duration: Meaning, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：length of time (duration)

duration 🔊

/dʊˈreɪʃən/

How long something lasts from start to finish; the length of a time period.

Duration timer showing elapsed time on stopwatch

length of time 🔊

➕

/ˈleŋθ əv taɪm/

The amount of time that something continues or exists.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'durare' (to last) + suffix '-ation' (forming nouns).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'door ration' — a limited time to get through the door before it closes.

📖 Example

The duration of the movie is two hours, so we should buy some snacks before it starts. 🔊 The duration of the movie is two hours, so we should buy some snacks before it starts.

🔗 Collocations

for the duration – during the entire time that something lasts

duration of time – the length of a period

long duration – lasting for a considerable time

🔄 Synonyms

length (n.) – the measurement of time from beginning to end

period (n.) – a length of time

span (n.) – the full extent of time

🚫 Antonyms

moment (n.) – a very brief period of time

instant (n.) – an extremely short time

🌱 Derivatives

durable (adj.) – able to last for a long time

endurance (n.) – the ability to withstand hardship or continue

during (prep.) – throughout the course of

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'duratio' (lasting), it entered English via Old French. Commonly used to indicate how long something continues.