The word "make longer" can be spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /meɪk ˈlɒŋɡə/. In this transcription, "make" is pronounced with the vowel sound in "play" (represented as /eɪ/), the "k" sound, and the final "e" sound is not pronounced. "Longer" is pronounced with the "l" sound, the vowel sound in "lot" (represented as /ɒ/), the "ng" sound, and the final "er" sound. When pronounced together, the phrase means to increase the length of something.
"Make longer" is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of increasing the length or duration of something. It is used to describe the action of extending the size, duration, or time frame of an object, event, or process.
When you "make longer" something, you are increasing its length in a literal or metaphorical sense. This could involve physically increasing the dimensions of an object or prolonging the time period of an activity or event. For example, if you make a rope longer, you are physically extending its length by adding more rope or stretching it. In a metaphorical sense, making something longer might refer to extending the duration of a meeting, a lecture, or a conversation.
The term can also be applied to abstract concepts, such as making a story longer by adding more details, or making an essay longer by including additional information or examples. It can also imply the process of extending the lifespan of an item or the duration of someone's life through medical or technological means.
Overall, "make longer" refers to the act of increasing the length, duration, or time frame of something, be it physical objects, events, processes, or abstract concepts.
The etymology of the word "make longer" can be broken down as follows:
1. Make: The word "make" comes from the Middle English word "maken", which originated from the Old English word "macian". It has common Germanic roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "makōną".
2. Longer: The word "longer" is formed from the adjective "long", which has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history in English. "Long" ultimately derives from the Old English word "lang", which also has cognates in other Germanic languages.
When combined together, "make longer" simply means to increase the length or duration of something.