Basic Details
Word: Prolong
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something last longer than it usually would.
Synonyms: Extend, Lengthen, Continue
Antonyms: Shorten, Reduce, Curtail
Idioms and Phrases
- Prolong the inevitable: To delay something that is unavoidable. Example: "Trying to fix a broken car can often prolong the inevitable; sometimes, its just better to get a new one."
- Prolong the conversation: To keep discussing something longer than necessary. Example: "They wanted to finish the meeting quickly, but he tended to prolong the conversation with too many questions."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher decided to prolong the deadline for the homework to give students more time.
Example 2: They placed the food in the fridge to prolong its freshness.
Example 3: To prolong the story, the narrator added several exciting details about the characters.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "prolong" comes from the Latin word prolongare, which means "to extend" or "to lengthen?" It has been used in English since the late 14th century!
Famous Quote
"The longest way round is the shortest way home." - James Joyce. This suggests that sometimes, extending or prolonging a journey can be more beneficial than rushing through it.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "prolong" mean?
a) To make shorter
b) To make something last longer
c) To ignore something
d) To begin something
Answer: b) To make something last longer
2. Which of these is a synonym of "prolong"?
a) End
b) Shorten
c) Lengthen
d) Diminish
Answer: c) Lengthen
3. What is an antonym of "prolong"?
a) Add
b) Continue
c) Shorten
d) Lengthen
Answer: c) Shorten
4. Which sentence uses "prolong" correctly?
a) She decided to prolong her stay so she could enjoy the holiday longer.
b) He tried to prolong the jump from the cliff.
c) They asked to prolong the fire.
d) The cat can prolong its purring.
Answer: a) She decided to prolong her stay so she could enjoy the holiday longer.
5. What does the idiom "prolong the conversation" suggest?
a) To finish speaking quickly
b) To discuss everything in detail
c) To start a new discussion
d) To reduce the number of words
Answer: b) To discuss everything in detail
