What is prolong? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of prolong

prolongverb

/prəˈlɒŋ//prəˈlɔːŋ/

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

1. Syllables: The word is divided into two syllables:

  • pro - like the word "pro" in "problem"
  • long - like the word "long"

2. Pronunciation:

  • "pro": Say it quickly and clearly, with a fairly short, sharp sound. Think of it almost like "pruh" but a bit more clipped.
  • "long": This is the tricky part! It's a long vowel sound. It's not a broad "o" like in "go." Instead, it’s a sound that’s a bit deeper, further back in your throat. It’s similar to the "o" in the word "boat" or "toe." Make your tongue slightly further back in your mouth than you might think for a regular "o."

Putting it together:

It sounds roughly like: “proh-long”

Tips & Resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you an example sentence so you can hear it in context?

Usage and examples with the word prolong in English

Let's break down how to use the word "prolong" in English. It's a versatile word with a few slightly different nuances.

1. Core Meaning: To Make Something Last Longer

At its most basic, "prolong" means to make something continue for a longer period of time. It's about extending duration.

  • Example: "The rain will prolong the journey." (The journey will take longer because of the rain.)
  • Example: "The medicine prolonged his recovery." (The recovery took longer than it should have due to the medicine.)
  • Example: "The company prolonged its contract with the supplier." (They extended the agreement.)

2. More Formal Usage - To Extend or Delay (Often with Legal or Official Contexts)

"Prolong" is often used in more formal language, particularly in legal, official, or bureaucratic contexts. It implies a deliberate action to extend something.

  • Example: "The judge prolonged the defendant’s sentence." (The judge increased the length of the imprisonment.)
  • Example: “The meeting was prolonged due to a lengthy discussion.” (The meeting took longer than scheduled.)
  • Example: "The investigation was prolonged after new evidence was discovered." (The investigation continued for a longer time.)

3. Figurative Usage – To Cause Something to Continue Unwantedly

Sometimes "prolong" is used to describe something that isn't necessarily a good thing – it's causing something unpleasant to continue.

  • Example: “The drought prolonged the farmers' suffering.” (The drought made the farmers’ hardship last longer.)
  • Example: "The illness prolonged her isolation." (The illness kept her away from others for a longer time than she wanted).

Synonyms:

Here are some words that can be used instead of "prolong," depending on the specific context:

  • Extend: (Most common synonym) - "Extend the deadline"
  • Prolong: (Same core meaning – often more formal)
  • Lengthen: - “Lengthen the road”
  • Continue: - “Continue the discussion”
  • Delay: - “Delay the start time”
  • Extend: (used when lengthening time or space)

Key Differences & How to Choose:

  • Extend: Often used for physical or metaphorical lengthening (a road, a conversation). It’s a very common and versatile word.
  • Prolong: Generally more formal and suggests a deliberate action to keep something going, often longer than desired.
  • Continue: Simply means to keep doing something. It doesn’t necessarily imply a lengthened period.

Let's look at some examples to illustrate the differences:

  • "We extended the deadline by one week." (General lengthening)
  • "The company prolonged its negotiations." (Deliberate extension – suggesting a longer, more difficult process)
  • “The rain continued for hours.” (Simply continuing – no deliberate action implied.)

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "prolong" in different contexts?
  • Help you understand how "prolong" compares to another word (e.g., "extend")?
  • Give you a sentence to practice using "prolong"?

Synonyms for the word prolong

Practice with vocabulary prolong

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To reach a consensus, the delegates decided to __________ the discussions by another hour.
  2. The company introduced new measures to __________ the lifespan of its electronic devices, aiming for greater sustainability.
  3. Due to the unexpected technical issues, the release of the highly anticipated software update has been __________ until further notice.
  4. The recent policy changes are expected to __________ economic growth and create more job opportunities.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which word(s) best describe the act of making something last for a longer period of time than originally intended or expected? a) shorten b) prolong c) curtail d) accelerate

  2. To avoid a premature conclusion, the moderator allowed the debate to __________ beyond its scheduled time. a) extend b) prolong c) shorten d) expedite

  3. The medical team's primary goal was to __________ the patient's quality of life, even if a full recovery was not possible. a) improve b) prolong c) diminish d) maintain

  4. Which word(s) could be used when you officially put off an event or decision to a later date? a) advance b) postpone c) defer d) expedite

  5. The organization implemented new strategies to __________ the efficiency of its logistics operations. a) diminish b) enhance c) hinder d) optimize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team's inability to resolve the internal conflict will cause the project to take more time than planned.

    • Rewrite, using "prolong":

  2. The goal of the new maintenance routine is to make the machinery operate effectively for a longer duration.

    • Rewrite, using a form of "prolong":

  3. The board decided to put off the discussion on the merger until the next quarterly meeting.

    • Rewrite, using a suitable replacement word (not "prolong"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. prolong
  2. prolong
  3. postponed
  4. boost (or stimulate/foster/enhance)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) prolong
  2. a) extend, b) prolong
  3. b) prolong (can also argue for a) improve and d) maintain in general context, but for 'quality of life' in this specific sentence context implying extension, 'prolong' is the most direct fit and often used. However, 'improve' and 'maintain' are also highly relevant to quality of life. For the sake of the exercise focusing on 'prolong' or similar, 'prolong' is a primary answer here if we consider extending the period of good quality life. Let's provide b) prolong, a) improve, d) maintain as all are contextually plausible correct answers to the team's goal regarding quality of life.)
  4. b) postpone, c) defer
  5. b) enhance, d) optimize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team's inability to resolve the internal conflict will prolong the project.
  2. The goal of the new maintenance routine is to prolong the effective operation of the machinery. (or: ...is to ensure the prolongation of the machinery's effective operation.)
  3. The board decided to postpone the discussion on the merger until the next quarterly meeting. (or: ...to defer the discussion...)

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