duration

[doo-rey-shuhn, dyoo-]

noun

1. the length of time something continues or exists (often used withthe ).

2. continuance in time.

3. (in the philosophy of Bergson) a temporal continuum, intuitively known, within which the élan vital operates.

duration

/ djʊˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the length of time that something lasts or continues

Other Word Forms

• durational adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of duration¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin dūrātiōn-, stem of dūrātiō, from Latin dūrāt(us) “lasted” (past participle of dūrāre “to last”; dure ² ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of duration¹

C14: from Medieval Latin dūrātiō, from Latin dūrāre to last

Example Sentences

The Railroad Commission approved the permit without shortening its duration.

From Salon

The right-hander not only got through five full innings of one-run ball, but did so by adopting a new, more unpredictable plan of attack, keeping the Reds off-balance over the duration of his 87-pitch effort.

From Los Angeles Times

The National Centre for Domestic Violence advised people with concealed devices to make sure they were turned off for the duration of the test.

From BBC

The agency’s position implies that resources should be redirected toward other priorities rather than continuing missions that have exceeded their initial planned duration.

From Los Angeles Times

So the tyres degrade much faster on a less effective car than on a good one, and that has a significant effect on pace over a race stint, and the potential duration of that stint.

From BBC

Related Words

• continuation 
• extent 
• period 
• span