The phrase "long lived" is often mistakenly spelled as "long-lived." The correct spelling, without a hyphen, signifies that the phrase is a compound adjective used to describe something or someone that has a lengthy lifespan. In phonetic transcription, "long lived" is pronounced as /lɔŋ laɪvd/, with the stress falling on the second syllable of "lived." It is important to use correct spelling and pronunciation in written and spoken communication to avoid confusion and convey meaning accurately.
Long-lived, in the context of lifespan or existence, refers to something or someone that has a considerably extended duration or a prolonged period of existence. It describes individuals or things that have a lifespan exceeding what is typically observed or expected, indicating a longer-lasting nature.
When referring to living beings, the term "long-lived" is often used to describe organisms that have an extended lifespan compared to their counterparts or the average lifespan of their species. These individuals experience a prolonged period of healthy existence and have a greater likelihood of reaching an advanced age. For example, certain species of turtles are known for their long-lived nature, where some can live for over a century.
In a broader sense, the term can also apply to non-living entities or concepts, such as ideas, traditions, or institutions. These can be described as "long-lived" if they have endured for a significant period, often surpassing generations or centuries. For instance, certain cultural practices or customs can be considered long-lived when they have retained relevance and significance over an extended period of time.
Overall, "long-lived" conveys the notion of endurance, longevity, or sustained existence beyond the norm, whether it refers to the length of life for living beings or the endurance of non-living entities or ideas.
The etymology of the word "long-lived" can be traced back to Old English. The term is derived from the combination of two elements: "long", meaning extending a great distance in space or duration in time, and "lived", from the verb "live", which means to exist or remain alive. The Old English word "long" has Germanic origins, coming from the Proto-Germanic word "langaz". "Lived" originates from the Old English word "lifian", meaning to be, live, or have life. Over time, these two words eventually merged in English to form the compound adjective "long-lived", referring to something or someone that has a long life span.