long-ago

UK: ˌlɒŋ əˈɡəʊ | US: ˌlɔːŋ əˈɡoʊ

Definition

  1. adj. belonging to or occurring in the distant past

  2. adv. at a time in the distant past

Structure
long <extended in time>ago <past, from Old English "āgān">
Etymology

The compound "long-ago" combines "long," from Old English "lang," meaning extended in duration, with "ago," derived from Old English "āgān" (to pass away). Together, they emphasize a time far removed from the present. The phrase evolved into a hyphenated adjective/adverb in Modern English, retaining its literal sense of temporal distance.

Examples

  1. The legend tells of a long-ago battle between gods and giants.

  2. She found a letter written long-ago by her great-grandmother.

  3. These traditions date back to long-ago civilizations.

  4. Long-ago, this valley was covered by a vast glacier.

  5. His stories are set in a long-ago era of knights and castles.