long-lost
UK: ˌlɒŋ ˈlɒst | US: ˌlɔːŋ ˈlɔːst
adj. describing something or someone that has been missing or absent for a long time
adj. referring to a relationship or connection that was forgotten or neglected but now rediscovered
The compound "long-lost" combines "long" (Old English lang, meaning "extended in duration") and "lost" (Old English losian, meaning "to perish or be deprived of"). The phrase emerged in Middle English to describe things or people absent for an extended period, often evoking nostalgia or rediscovery. Its structure reflects a straightforward fusion of temporal ("long") and situational ("lost") descriptors.
She reunited with her long-lost brother after 20 years.
The museum displayed a long-lost painting by Van Gogh.
His memoir revealed long-lost details about the war.
They stumbled upon a long-lost treasure map in the attic.
The novel tells the story of a long-lost civilization.