Protracted

Adjective

Definition: Prolonged in time; drawn out; extended

Synonyms: Prolonged, Extended, Lengthened

Antonyms: Short, Brief, Concise

Examples:

The negotiations were protracted and lasted for several months.
The protracted heatwave caused water shortages in the region.

Mnemonics:

"Protracted" sounds like "protracted," meaning something that is stretched out or prolonged.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "protracted" comes from the Latin word "protractus," which means to drag out or prolong. It combines the prefix "pro-" (meaning forward) and the verb "trahere" (meaning to draw or drag).

Historical Usage:

The use of "protracted" to describe something elongated or prolonged dates back to the early 17th century.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Protracted battle"

Explanation:

Refers to a prolonged or extended period of conflict or struggle.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "protracted" with "contracted" or "retracted."

Explanation:

"Protracted" means extended or prolonged, while "contracted" means shortened or reduced, and "retracted" means withdrawn or pulled back.