WordGarden.iolongstanding
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɒŋstændɪŋ/
US
- /ˈlɔŋˌstændɪŋ/
Meanings
Adjective
having existed or continued for a long time
Beyond the definition
Imagine an old oak tree: its roots have been growing deep into the earth for decades, even centuries. That's what "longstanding" feels like. It describes something that has existed for a long time and has become well-established. A longstanding friendship isn't one you made last week; it's built on years of shared experiences. You might hear about a longstanding family tradition or a longstanding rivalry between two sports teams. The word suggests history, stability, and something that has stayed important over time.
"Longstanding" describes something that has existed for a long time and is well-established, respected, or recognized. It's more than just "old"; it implies endurance and a history of consistent existence. Think of it like a riverbed – carved out over years by the constant flow of water.
You'll often encounter "longstanding" when discussing relationships: a longstanding friendship suggests a bond that has weathered many storms. It's also used to describe traditions, practices, or agreements that have been in place for generations: a longstanding family tradition passed down through the years, or a longstanding agreement between nations.
The word carries a sense of weight and importance. A longstanding problem isn't just a new issue; it's one that has continued despite efforts to resolve it. Similarly, a longstanding reputation is earned over time through consistent behavior. It suggests something reliable and widely known.
You will most often see "longstanding" used for relationships, traditions, problems, agreements, and reputations rather than for physical objects. So if something has been around for a long time and still matters or has influence, there's a good chance it can be described as longstanding.
Examples
- 1
Personal relationship
They have a longstanding friendship that began in college.
- 2
Civic problem
The town is trying to solve a longstanding problem with traffic.
- 3
Group membership
He is a longstanding member of the local theater group.
- 4
International dispute
The two countries reached an agreement after a longstanding dispute over the border.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
School tradition
The school has a longstanding tradition of inviting former students to speak.
- 6
Charity commitment
The charity has a longstanding commitment to helping refugees.
See also
Similar
- long-established
- enduring
- established
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- longstanding tradition
- longstanding relationship
- longstanding problem
- longstanding dispute
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- longstandingadjective