1 B2 neutral
To gradually become longer, especially in reference to daylight hours or shadows.
"As spring arrives, the evenings begin to lengthen out and it stays light until eight."
inseparable
lengthen out
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To gradually become longer or to make something longer over time.
In plain English
To get longer or to make something longer, often slowly.
What does "lengthen out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To make something longer in duration or extent.
"The editor asked her to lengthen out the final chapter with more detail."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pull or allow something to extend outward in length.
Actually means
To get longer or to make something longer, often slowly.
Usage tip
Used both literally (days getting longer as summer approaches) and figuratively (a meeting or story that goes on longer than expected). Suggests a gradual process rather than a sudden change.
Words that pair with "lengthen out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
days evenings shadows process story explanation
How to conjugate "lengthen out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lengthen out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lengthens out
he/she/it
Past simple
lengthened out
yesterday
Past participle
lengthened out
have + pp
-ing form
lengthening out
continuous
Hear "lengthen out" in the wild
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