longer

longer — adverb

1. for a greater amount of time than something or someone else, or continuing past

1.adverbA2
Definition

for a greater amount of time than something or someone else, or continuing past a particular point in time that was expected or allowed.

Example

Ilan stayed at the party longer than his friends did.

comparative: longer + than + noun phrase

The meeting lasted much longer than anyone had expected.

modifier: much + longer

Common collocations
  • last longer
  • wait longer
  • stay longer
  • take longer
  • live longer
Synonyms
  • for longer

    less common phrasing; usually requires a follow-up phrase ('for longer than I expected').

Antonyms
  • for less time

    not a single-word antonym; the opposite idea is expressed periphrastically.

Grammar Patterns

longer + than + noun phrase

no/any + longer

much/a little + longer

Usage Note

Common in negative expressions: 'no longer' means 'not anymore' and usually appears before the main verb; 'any longer' appears at the end of a negative sentence. 'No longer' is slightly more formal than 'not … any longer'.

Common Mistakes

I can't wait no longer.
I can't wait any longer.
Use 'any longer' in negative sentences, not 'no longer' (double negative).
She no longer works here longer.
She no longer works here.
'No longer' already contains the comparative idea; do not add another 'longer'.

Word family

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • no longer
  • any longer

Prepositions

Etymology

Proto-GermanicOld EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Formed from the adjective 'long' (from Old English 'lang' / 'long', from Proto-Germanic '*langaz') plus the comparative suffix '-er' (from Old English '-ra', from Proto-Germanic '*-izô'). The adverbial comparative use developed alongside the adjectival form in Old English.