1 C1 neutral
To extend the length of a garment or object downward, typically by adjusting a hem.
"The tailor lengthened the dress down by two inches to cover her knees."
separable
lengthen down
C1 neutral separable transitive
To make something longer by extending it in a downward direction, particularly clothing.
In plain English
To make something longer by adding to the bottom of it.
What does "lengthen down" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something longer in the downward direction.
Actually means
To make something longer by adding to the bottom of it.
Usage tip
Primarily used in sewing and tailoring contexts. Much less common than 'let down' for hemming. Rarely encountered outside specialist or descriptive language.
Words that pair with "lengthen down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
hem skirt trousers dress curtains
How to conjugate "lengthen down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lengthen down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lengthens down
he/she/it
Past simple
lengthened down
yesterday
Past participle
lengthened down
have + pp
-ing form
lengthening down
continuous
Hear "lengthen down" in the wild
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