elongate

elongate — verb

IPA/ˈiːlɒŋɡeɪt/
KK[ɪlˈɔŋɡet]IPA/ɪˈlɔːŋɡeɪt/
  • elongatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • elongateshe / she / it
  • elongatedpast simple
  • elongating-ing form

1. to stretch something or cause it to become longer than before, typically by pull

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to stretch something or cause it to become longer than before, typically by pulling, heating, or applying force

例句

Gabriel heated a glass rod and pulled both ends till it elongated by a centimetre.

transitive + intransitive in one sentence: heat + object → it elongates

As Nala stretched the rubber band, it began to elongate and turn a paler shade.

intransitive: [subject] begins to elongate

同義詞
  • lengthen

    more general and neutral; works for hair, trousers, lists, and abstract length

  • stretch

    implies pulling something flexible; may suggest elasticity rather than permanent change

  • extend

    broader range — can describe physical reach or abstract scope, not limited to force

反義詞
  • shorten

    to make or become shorter

  • contract

    to become smaller or tighter, often the opposite of stretching

文法句型

elongate + object (transitive)

subject + elongate (intransitive)

用法筆記

Elongate usually describes a physical change in length (metal, fibres, body parts) rather than abstract extension of time or scope; use prolong for time and lengthen or extend for broader contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The lecture was elongated by twenty minutes.
✅The lecture was prolonged by twenty minutes.
💡'elongate' describes physical stretching, not duration.

elongate — adjective

IPA/ˈiː.lɒŋ.ɡeɪt/
KK[ɪlˈɔŋɡet]IPA/ɪˈlɑːŋ.ɡeɪt/