Lengthiest

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having the greatest length or duration compared to others
2. Being the longest in size, extent, or time relative to similar things
3. Exceeding all others in physical length or amount of time

Etymology: "Lengthiest" is an inflected form, the superlative of "lengthy," so the real story belongs to its base. "Lengthy" is simply "length" with the suffix "-y" attached, the same ending found in "hairy," "wealthy," and "bony." English "length" comes from the Old English "lengþ," a noun built from the adjective "long" plus a noun-forming suffix, so the word is ultimately about being long before it is about anything else. The suffix "-y" traces back through Middle English "-y" and Old English "-ig," which turned nouns and adjectives into descriptions of having a quality. "Lengthy" therefore means "having much length," and it kept that literal, physical sense for centuries before taking on its modern use for things that go on too long, such as a lengthy speech.

Synonyms: longest, most extended

Antonyms: shortest