prolong

prolong — verb

1. to cause an event, situation, or activity to continue for a longer period than i

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to cause an event, situation, or activity to continue for a longer period than it would naturally or normally

例句

The doctor warned Faisal that smoking would prolong his recovery after surgery.

collocation: prolong recovery

Putri tried to prolong the conversation, but her friend had to leave for class.

prolong + social event (conversation)

同義詞
  • extend

    more neutral and common; works for both time and space

  • lengthen

    more neutral; also used for both time and physical dimensions

  • protract

    more formal; often implies the extension is unwanted or excessive

反義詞
  • shorten

    neutral opposite; to make something last less time

  • curtail

    to cut short abruptly, often before the expected end

文法句型

prolong + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently carries a connotation that the extension is longer than usual or desirable. Only used for duration in time, not physical length — for spatial extension, use 'extend' or 'lengthen'.

常見錯誤

❌The builder prolonged the kitchen by two metres.
✅The builder extended the kitchen by two metres.
💡'prolong' applies to time, not physical space.
❌She prolonged her report to include a new chapter.
✅She expanded her report to include a new chapter.
💡'prolong' refers to duration, not scope or content.