Basic Details
Word: Prolong
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something last longer or to extend its duration.
Synonyms: Extend, Lengthen, Delay
Antonyms: Shorten, Reduce, Curtail
Idioms and Phrases
- Prolong the inevitable: To delay something that is certain to happen. Example: "He tried to prolong the inevitable by studying late, but the exam was still going to happen."
- Prolong the agony: To make a difficult situation last longer. Example: "Watching the movie was enjoyable, but the ending really prolonged the agony of waiting for the hero to win."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher decided to prolong the deadline for the project to give students more time to finish.
Example 2: They tried to prolong the meeting, hoping to reach a better agreement.
Example 3: To prolong the party, they set up games that everyone could enjoy.
Fun Fact
The word "prolong" comes from the Latin word "prolongare," which is a combination of "pro," meaning forward, and "longus," meaning long. This shows its meaning of making something longer or extending its reach!
Famous Quote
"Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind." Nathaniel Hawthorne This relates to the idea of wanting to prolong moments we cherish.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "prolong" mean?
a) To make something shorter
b) To make something last longer
c) To change something
d) To ignore something
Answer: b) To make something last longer
2. Which of these is a synonym of "prolong"?
a) Shorten
b) Reduce
c) Lengthen
d) Disable
Answer: c) Lengthen
3. What is an antonym of "prolong"?
a) Delay
b) Extend
c) Shorten
d) Lengthen
Answer: c) Shorten
4. Which of the following sentences uses "prolong" correctly?
a) She decided to prolong her stay at the grandparents' house for an extra week.
b) He will prolong his homework and finish it quickly tomorrow.
c) They want to prolong the new movie that is under two hours long.
d) The cat will prolong by climbing the tall tree.
Answer: a) She decided to prolong her stay at the grandparents' house for an extra week.
5. Which idiom means to delay something that is certain to happen?
a) Prolong the inevitable
b) Prolong the pleasure
c) Prolong the journey
d) Prolong the fun
Answer: a) Prolong the inevitable
