Back to all words

Prolong

2 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means to extend in time

Where does the word "prolong" come from? It comes from Late Latin prolongare, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
prolongare
Late Latin · ancient
"to extend"
'pro-' plus 'longus', long
2
Stage 2 of 2
prolong
English · 1400s
"to lengthen"
came into English through French 'prolonger'
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Prolong’s story begins in Late Latin: prolongare meant “to extend.” 'pro-' plus 'longus', long. It reached English by 1400s as prolong. Came into English through French 'prolonger'. Today, prolong means to extend in time.