Length
UK /["/leŋkθ/"]/US /["/leŋkθ/"]/
Definition
the size or measurement of something from one end to the other
In simple words: How long something is from one end to another.
Examples
- The length of the table is about two meters.
- She measured the length of the rope before cutting it.
- Please indicate the length of your answer in the box provided.
- The essay's length exceeded the teacher's requirements.
- He ran the length of the track in under ten minutes.
Usage notes
Use 'length' when discussing size or duration. It's appropriate in both everyday and academic contexts; avoid using in very casual situations.
Grammar pattern
length + of + object
Memory hint
Think of a ruler measuring the length of a table.
Collocations
- entire
- full
- maximum
- estimate
- measure
- have
- along the length of
- in length
- at arm’s length
- double, twice, three times, half, etc. the length of something
- considerable
- great
- inordinate
- cut
- reduce
- shorten
- increase
- decrease
- at length
- in length
- length of time
- do
- swim
Synonyms
- extent
- measurement
- distance
- span
Antonyms
- shortness
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'height' or 'width'.
- Incorrectly using as a verb.
- Using 'length' to describe time without context.