Longevity Meaning
/lɒnˈd͡ʒɛv.ɪ.ti/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe quality of being long-lasting, especially of life.
nounDuration over time; persistence.
Sentence Examples
The carp's longevity is unmolested by the turmoil of the millipede.
The secret of longevity is to choose your parents carefully.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ of the tortoise is famously much greater than that of the mouse.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A healthy diet and regular exercise are key factors that contribute to a person's ____ and well-being.
Word Origin & History
Early 17th century, learned borrowing from Latin longaevitās, from longaevus (“ancient, aged”) + -itās. The first part is related to English long and this association led to the alternative pronunciation with /ŋ/.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"This 142-year-old tiny ex-LNWR SB [signal box, at Batley] is an amazing survivor, probably owing its longevity to its location alongside a level crossing. Indeed it started life as a gate box with the delightful name of Lady Ann's Crossing."
— 2020 July 1, David Allen, “Signalling from Leeds along the S&C”, in Rail, page 74:
"The longevity of spicy and swicy will depend on how committed consumers are to sticking with these flavors as they grow older."
— 2024 June 2, Parija Kavilanz, “‘Swicy’ is the hottest trend in food right now”, in CNN:
"A ‘postdating’ is an example of the use of a lexical item at a later date than currently recorded and these are important in establishing the longevity of use of a term and whether or not it has become obsolete."
— 2018, James Lambert, “Anglo-Indian slang in dictionaries on historical principles”, in World Englishes, volume 37, page 255:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ of the tortoise is famously much greater than that of the mouse.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A healthy diet and regular exercise are key factors that contribute to a person's ____ and well-being.