long
Measuring a large length or distance
Having a big distance from one end to the other.
[something] is long
- The bridge is over two kilometers long.
- She has long blonde hair.
- We walked down a long corridor to reach the office.
- The table is very long.
- He has long legs.
- This street is long.
Taking a lot of time
Continuing for much time.
a long [time period/event]
- It’s been a long day at work.
- We had a long conversation about the project.
- The movie felt too long.
- The lesson is long.
- We had a long talk.
- It was a long night.
Strongly desire something
To want something very much.
to long for [something] / to long to [verb]
- She longed for the days when they were together.
- He longs to travel the world.
- I have been longing for some quiet time.
- I long for summer.
- She longs to see her family.
- He longs for a new job.
- Base: long
- Comparative: longer
- Superlative: longest
- Base: long
- 3rd Person Singular: longs
- Present Participle: longing
- Past: longed
at long last
1Finally, after much delay
After waiting for a long time, finally.
- At long last, the package arrived.
- We have, at long last, completed the project.
long time no see
1Greeting after not meeting for a while
A friendly way to say hello to someone you have not seen in a long time.
- Hey, long time no see! How have you been?
- Long time no see! I missed you.
as long as
1Only if; during the time that
Only if something happens, or during the time something happens.
- You can borrow my bike as long as you bring it back by tomorrow.
- As long as we keep working hard, we will succeed.
as long as
2Provided that; during the time that something lasts
If something happens; or during the time something happens.
- You can borrow it as long as you bring it back tomorrow.
- I’ll stay here as long as you need me.
before long
1Soon; in a short time from now
Not much time will pass before something happens.
- Before long, she will be running her own company.
- You’ll hear from them before long.
before long
2Soon after now or then
In a short time from now or from a mentioned time.
- Before long, we were good friends.
- The train will arrive before long.
in the long run
1Eventually, after a long time
After much time has passed, considering the final result.
- In the long run, investing in education pays off.
- It will be cheaper in the long run to buy quality products.
- In the long run, this decision will save money.
- It may be hard now, but it will be worth it in the long run.
- In the long run, regular exercise benefits your health.
- It might be hard now, but in the long run you'll be happier.
in the long run
2over a long time, final effect
After a long time has passed, thinking about the final result.
- In the long run, investing in education pays off.
- You may feel tired now, but exercise will help you in the long run.