The phrase "last longer" is spelled /læst ˈlɒŋɡər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "last," is pronounced with a short 'a' sound and a voiceless 's' sound, followed by a 't' sound. The second word, "longer," includes a schwa sound and a voiced 'l' sound, followed by a nasal 'n' sound and a voiced 'g' sound, and ending with a schwa sound and an 'r' sound. The phrase is used to describe something that continues for a greater period of time than expected.
The term "last longer" refers to the ability of an object, substance, or activity to persist or endure for an extended period of time, beyond what is typical or expected. It implies a prolonged duration or a greater resistance to depletion, decay, wear, or exhaustion.
When applied to physical objects, "last longer" suggests that their functionality, integrity, or usefulness remains intact for an extended period, surpassing the average lifespan of similar items. For instance, a durable and well-built appliance may be expected to "last longer" compared to a cheaper, less reliable alternative.
In the context of substances, "last longer" typically relates to their extended preservation without losing quality or efficacy. It may imply the ability of a food or medicine to stay fresh, safe, or potent for an extended period, beyond the expiration date or typical shelf life.
Regarding activities or processes, "last longer" implies a duration that exceeds the norm, often linked to endurance or stamina. For example, an athlete with high physical fitness may be able to "last longer" in a race or strenuous exercise compared to someone with lower stamina.
Overall, the concept of "last longer" conveys the idea of resilience, long-lastingness, or prolonged performance beyond what is usually expected, whether referring to objects, substances, or activities.
The phrase "last longer" is a combination of two words: "last" and "longer". Here's the etymology of each word:
1. Last: The word "last" originated from the Old English word "lǣstan", meaning "endure" or "continue". It can also be traced back to the Old Norse word "lengja" which also means "endure". Over time, "lǣstan" evolved into "last" with a similar meaning in Middle English.
2. Longer: The word "longer" is the comparative form of the word "long". "Long" has its roots in the Old English word "lang", which also meant "long". It is related to the Old Norse word "langr" and the Gothic word "laggs", both with similar meanings.