lengthen
UK: ˈlɛŋθən | US: ˈlɛŋθən
vt. to make or become longer
vi. to increase in length
The word "lengthen" combines "length" (derived from Old English lengþu, meaning "long measurement") with the suffix "-en," a productive verb-forming suffix in English meaning "to cause to be." This suffix traces back to Old English -nian, used to create verbs from adjectives or nouns. The logic is straightforward: "length" (the noun) + "-en" (to cause) = "to cause to be longer." The word has retained this transparent structure since Middle English.
She decided to lengthen her skirt by adding a hem.
The days begin to lengthen in spring.
The tailor can lengthen these trousers for you.
Stretching exercises help lengthen your muscles.
The committee voted to lengthen the school year by two weeks.