longer

Longer is the comparative form of the adjective long. It is used to indicate greater length, distance, duration, or extent relative to something else. As an adjective, it describes a noun (a longer rope; a longer road). As an adverb, it can modify a verb to express greater duration (We waited longer).

Etymology and form: Longer derives from the Old English word for long, with a comparative ending that evolved into the modern -er form. The standard comparative is longer, and the superlative is longest. In contemporary English, the form more long is not used for this sense.

Usage notes: Longer is used across physical and temporal senses. It appears in comparisons with than (longer than), in noun phrases (a longer version, a longer day), and with prepositional phrases to indicate duration (for a longer period). It can describe abstract extents as well, such as a longer wait or a longer life. While longer often implies extension beyond a reference point, it does not inherently specify whether the increase is beneficial or burdensome; context determines connotation.

Related forms and contrasts: The opposite of longer is shorter (the comparative form of short). The superlative form is longest. Synonyms include extended, elongated, protracted, and prolonged, depending on nuance. Common antonyms focus on reduced length or duration.

Examples: The bridge is longer than the river. We decided to take the longer route. He stayed longer than anyone else. This edition is a longer version of the book. In these contexts, longer communicates greater measurement or persistence compared with a baseline.