What is length? Pronunciation and usage in English

length means . Learn how to pronounce and use length through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of length

lengthnoun

/lɛŋ(k)θ//lɛnθ/
Definition & pronunciation of length

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "length" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Core Sound: The fundamental sound is a combination of /lɛŋθ/

2. Syllable Breakdown: It's two syllables:

  • “Length” - First Syllable: /lɛŋ/

    • “l” - as in "lip"
    • “ɛ” - This is a short "e" sound, like in "bed" or "get." Think of it as a slightly open "e."
    • “ŋ” - This is the "ng" sound - It’s a nasal sound, made by letting air come out of your nose while you say the vowel. It's often described as a "ng" sound, but it's more subtle than with words like "sing." You feel the vibration in your nose.

  • “-th” - Second Syllable: /θ/

    • “th” – This is the "th" sound as in "think" or "this." It’s a voiceless dental fricative. Your tongue should be gently behind your teeth.

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly: “Len-th” (emphasizing the “len” part a little more). Then gradually speed it up.

Tips for Practice:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce length" and listen to native speakers. (e.g., Merriam-Webster pronunciation guide: https://www.merriam-webster.com/audio/pronunciation/length)
  • Focus on the nasal “ng”: This is the most common stumbling block. Humming while saying the “ng” can help you feel where the air is coming from.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.

Common Mistakes:

  • Saying “len-th” without the nasal “ng”: This is the most frequent mistake.
  • Pronouncing the "th" too strongly: It should be a gentle "th," not a harsh one.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some more example words with similar sounds?
  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly for you to listen to?

Usage and examples with the word length in English

Let's break down how to use the word "length" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Physical Measurement (Most Common)

  • Meaning: Distance from one end to the other.
  • Usage: This is the most frequent usage.
  • Examples:
    • “The length of the rope is 10 meters.” (How long it is)
    • “What is the length of the table?” (Asking for the distance across)
    • “The river is 50 miles in length.” (Describing the extent of the river)
    • "The length of the road was too long for a single day trip."

2. Extent or Duration

  • Meaning: The amount of time something lasts, or the degree to which something is spread out.
  • Usage: Often used with words like “duration,” “period,” “extent,” or “span”.
  • Examples:
    • "The length of the movie was three hours." (Referring to the duration)
    • “The length of the war was devastating.” (Referring to the duration)
    • "The length of the conversation was surprisingly brief." (Referring to the extent of the talk)
    • “He’s been suffering from a high fever for several days, a length of time I don’t want to see.”

3. Dimension (Especially in a more formal or technical context)

  • Meaning: One of the three spatial dimensions (length, width, height).
  • Usage: Often used in architecture, engineering, and design.
  • Examples:
    • “The building's length is 20 feet.”
    • “The designer considered the length and width of the room.”

4. Style or Form (often with "in length")

  • Meaning: When describing a particular style or form of something.
  • Usage: Often used with the phrase "in length".
  • Examples:
    • “He wrote in length about his childhood memories.” (Referring to the extensive detail)
    • “The novel was written in length and took years to complete.” (Denoting the significant size/scope)
    • “She has a length of patience.” (Referring to a prominent quality)

5. Parts/Sections (less common)

  • Meaning: Refers to segments or parts of something.
  • Usage:
    • "The length of the book was divided into chapters." (Referring to the chapters as sections)

Phrases Using "Length":

  • At Length: For a long time or in detail. "He discussed the issue at length."
  • To Length: To a certain degree or extent. "It’s important to consider the situation to length."
  • Length and breadth: The entire scope or range of something (often used figuratively). "The length and breadth of the problem needed addressing."

Tips for Using "Length":

  • Context is key: The meaning of "length" will be clear from the context of the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms depending on the intended meaning (e.g., distance, duration, extent, span).
  • "In length": Using "in length" often clarifies you're referring to a measurement of distance.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "length" in? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, having a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re trying to create?

Synonyms for the word length

Idioms of the word length

at length | at… length
for a long time and in detail
  • He quoted at length from the report.
  • We have already discussed this matter at great length.
  • He told me at length about his new job.
(literary)after a long time
  • ‘I'm still not sure,’ he said at length.
go to any, some, great, etc. lengths (to do something)
to put a lot of effort into doing something, especially when this seems extreme
  • She goes to extraordinary lengths to keep her private life private.
keep somebody at arm’s length
to avoid having a close relationship with somebody
  • He keeps all his clients at arm's length.
  • She kept him at arm's length until he stopped smoking.
the length and breadth of…
in or to all parts of a place
  • They have travelled the length and breadth of Europe giving concerts.
  • They travelled the length and breadth of the land.

Practice with vocabulary length

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager requested the exact ________ of the new fiber optic cable needed for the installation.
  2. After several postponements, the committee had to extend the ________ of the application period by two weeks.
  3. The architectural design specified a maximum ________ of ten meters for the building's facade, emphasizing its horizontal lines.
  4. The consultant emphasized that the ________ of the introductory training module should not exceed one hour to maintain engagement.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (Select all that apply)

  1. Which of the following terms primarily describes the measurement of something from end to end along its longest dimension? a) Width b) Depth c) Length d) Height

  2. To describe the time frame or period over which an event or process occurs, which words are most appropriate? a) Scope b) Duration c) Interval d) Length

  3. The research paper discussed the implications of the findings at considerable _______, providing extensive supporting data. a) extent b) range c) length d) scope

  4. To ensure the structural integrity of the bridge, engineers meticulously calculated the maximum allowed _______ between support piers. a) height b) span c) depth d) volume

  5. The new policy aims to increase the _______ of accessible resources available to all employees, making information more readily available. a) depth b) range c) extent d) amplitude

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The period during which the trial run operated was extended due to unexpected technical glitches.

    • Rewrite using "length":

  2. The team decided to make the initial phase of the product development process longer to ensure thorough testing.

    • Rewrite using a word related to "length":

  3. The distance from one end of the proposed bridge to the other is approximately 500 meters.

    • Rewrite without using "length" or its derivatives, using a suitable replacement:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. length
  2. length
  3. width
  4. duration

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Length
  2. b) Duration, c) Interval, d) Length
  3. c) length
  4. b) span
  5. b) range, c) extent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The length of the trial run was extended due to unexpected technical glitches.
  2. The team decided to lengthen the initial phase of the product development process to ensure thorough testing.
  3. The span of the proposed bridge is approximately 500 meters.

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