length
UK: leŋθ | US: leŋθ
n. the measurement of something from end to end
n. the extent of a subject or document
n. the duration of time
length = leng<long> + th<noun suffix>
- leng (from Old English lengu, meaning "long")
- th (a noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality, from Old English -þu)
Etymology Origin:
The word "length" traces back to Old English lengu, derived from the Proto-Germanic langithō, meaning "longness." The root leng preserves the core idea of "long," while the suffix -th (akin to -ness) transforms it into an abstract noun. This structure mirrors other Old English nouns like strength (strength) and warmth, where the suffix converts an adjective into a measurable quality. Over time, lengu evolved into "length," retaining its spatial and temporal connotations.
The length of the river is approximately 200 miles.
She measured the length of the room before buying furniture.
The film’s length made it difficult to watch in one sitting.
The essay exceeded the maximum allowed length.
He tied the rope to double its length.