WordGarden.iolongevity
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ləndʒˈɛvɪti/
US
- /lɔnˈdʒɛvəti/
Meanings
Noun
long life; the quality of living for a long time
long duration or continued usefulness, success, or relevance
Beyond the definition
It is not just about how long someone lives; it can also describe how long something continues to exist or stay useful. A tortoise is famous for living a very long time, so people often talk about its longevity. But you can also use the word for a brand, a tradition, or even a building. It suggests that something lasts longer than usual. You can think of it as a measure of how well something stands the test of time.
The word comes from Latin roots meaning "long" and "life," which makes its meaning easy to remember. You might say, "Researchers are studying the factors that contribute to longevity," or "The longevity of this bridge shows excellent engineering." It is not only about living long, but also about lasting well over time.
Longevity refers to the length of time something lasts, whether it is a life, an object, an institution, or even an idea. While it is often linked to human lifespan and health, it goes far beyond simply living a long time. It also suggests durability, resilience, and the ability to endure over long periods.
You might discuss the longevity of a particular species, such as whales, which are known for their long lives. But you can also apply it to things beyond biology. The longevity of a company can be seen in how many years it stays active and successful. The longevity of a political system reflects its stability and endurance. A classic novel has longevity because people keep reading and valuing it for generations.
The study of longevity often focuses on factors that help living things survive longer, such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment. In broader contexts, though, it can also be about keeping quality over time. A well-maintained antique has longevity not just because it is old, but because it remains useful and attractive despite its age.
So, whether you are talking about a person reaching an old age, a product staying reliable for decades, or an idea continuing through history, longevity is all about lasting power and enduring existence. It points to the strength to keep going and to remain valuable as time passes.
Examples
- 1
Life expectancy
The island is famous for the longevity of its residents.
- 2
Healthy habits
A balanced diet and regular exercise are often linked to greater longevity.
- 3
Material durability
The new coating improves the longevity of the wooden deck.
- 4
Design priority
The roof was built for longevity, not for looks.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Political career
Her calm style and careful planning gave her unusual longevity in politics.
- 6
Agreement duration
The longevity of the agreement will depend on trust between the two sides.
See also
Similar
- long life
- endurance
- durability
Shades of meaning
- lifespan
- life expectancy
- staying power
Contrast
- short life
- transience
Used with (collocations)
- human longevity
- increase longevity
- longevity of a product
Word family
- long-lived
Explore
- aging
- healthy lifespan
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- longevitynoun
Forms
- longevitiespluralnoun