longevity

longevity — noun

1. the fact of living for a very long time, especially in comparison with what is n

1.名詞B2
釋義

the fact of living for a very long time, especially in comparison with what is normal for a person, animal, or plant of that type

例句

The Galapagos tortoise is known for its remarkable longevity, often living over a hundred years.

collocation: remarkable longevity

Kenji's grandfather credited his longevity to a simple diet and daily walks in the park.

pattern: credit [one's] longevity to [factor]

同義詞
  • long life

    the everyday, informal alternative

  • long lifespan

    more specific; refers to the actual duration an individual or species lives

反義詞

文法句型

longevity of [species/person/group]

credit [one's] longevity to [factor]

用法筆記

A formal or scientific-sounding word. In everyday conversation, 'long life' or 'live a long time' are more common. Frequently used with adjectives such as 'remarkable,' 'exceptional,' and 'unusual.' Subject of the sentence is typically a species, group, or person with an unusually long lifespan.

常見錯誤

❌My grandmother has longevity.
✅My grandmother is known for her remarkable longevity.
💡Longevity is rarely used as a simple possession; it usually appears with a qualifier (remarkable, unusual, exceptional) or in a general statement about a group.

2. the quality of continuing to be popular, useful, or effective for a very long ti

2.名詞C1
釋義

the quality of continuing to be popular, useful, or effective for a very long time, as with a product, brand, career, or idea

例句

The longevity of that TV series surprised the studio — it ran for fifteen seasons.

pattern: the longevity of [thing]

Shanti chose a wool coat for the longevity of natural materials, despite the higher price.

同義詞
  • durability

    focuses on physical strength and resistance to wear

  • staying power

    informal; emphasizes continued relevance or popularity

  • endurance

    suggests the ability to withstand difficulty over time

反義詞

文法句型

the longevity of [product/brand/career]

用法筆記

Common in business, technology, and media contexts. Often appears in the pattern 'the longevity of + noun.' Unlike sense 1, this sense can apply to objects, ideas, trends, and careers — anything that remains relevant or functional over time. Frequently passive in construction ('is known for its longevity').

常見錯誤

❌The longevity of the meeting was too long.
✅The meeting lasted too long.
💡Longevity refers to lasting over many years, not the duration of a single event.