Långtids

Långtids is a Swedish prefix used to indicate that something relates to or lasts for a long time. It functions as an attributive modifier in compound words and is usually written as a single word attached to the following noun, for example långtidsminne, långtidsplan or långtidsprognos. In practice, långtids forms are common in formal, administrative, medical, and research contexts to distinguish long-term aspects from short-term ones.

Linguistically, långtids combines the adjective långt (long) with tids (time), creating a productive prefix that prefixes nouns to convey duration. It is typically used in technical language and public discourse where precise temporal scope is important. The opposite form is korttids-, meaning short-term, which follows the same pattern.

Common examples of långtids compounds include långtidsminne (long-term memory), långtidsprognos (long-term prognosis), långtidsvård (long-term care), långtidsplan (long-term plan), and långtidsinvesteringar (long-term investments). These terms appear across disciplines such as neuroscience, healthcare, economics, and policy planning, reflecting a general need to distinguish enduring or future-oriented aspects from immediate or near-term concerns.

In usage, långtids is typically not used as a standalone word; it functions almost exclusively as a prefix in compounds. It is closely integrated into Swedish terminology and can appear in both descriptive and prescriptive contexts, such as research reports, policy documents, and strategic planning. The English equivalent is long-term.