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.

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