Reading Theme:
Length Definition: From End to End & Time Duration (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：measurement from end to end (length)
length
/leŋkθ/
n.
The distance between two ends of an object, usually the longest side.
measurement from end to end
➕
/ˈmeʒərmənt frəm end tuː end/
n.
The distance between two farthest points of an object, typically along its longest side.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'lengþu', related to 'long'; Proto-Germanic *langiþō.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'long' rope; add 'th' to get length, the measure of how long it is.
📖 Example
I measured the length of the table to see if it would fit in my small kitchen.
I measured the length of the table to see if it would fit in my small kitchen.
🔗 Collocations
full length – the entire extent from one end to the other
length of time – duration
arm's length – a distance equal to the length of an arm
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
lengthen (v.) – to make or become longer
lengthy (adj.) – very long in duration or extent
lengthwise (adv.) – in the direction of the length
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'length' has been used since Old English times to measure physical extension. In modern English, it is also a key term in film and media to describe runtime.
Meaning 2：duration in time (length)
length
/leŋkθ/
n.
How long something lasts in time.
duration in time
➕
/djuˈreɪʃən ɪn taɪm/
n.
The amount of time something lasts or continues.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The length of the movie is three hours, so remember to bring some snacks.
The length of the movie is three hours, so remember to bring some snacks.
🔗 Collocations
length of stay – the duration one remains in a place
course length – the total time a training program takes
arm's length – a distance equal to the length of an arm
🔄 Synonyms
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