longevity
lon-JEV-ih-tee
/lɒnˈdʒɛvɪti/
Long life; the length or duration of a life or service.
Often used to discuss the factors that contribute to living a long time, such as diet or genetics.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'longaevitas', combining 'longus' (long) and 'aevum' (age). It literally means 'long-agedness'.
Word relationships
- durability: 'Durability' is used for objects; 'longevity' is used for living things or careers.
- brevity: Shortness of time or duration.
- ephemerality: The state of lasting for a very short time.
Commonly confused with
- lifespan: 'Lifespan' is the total duration; 'longevity' specifically emphasizes the 'long' aspect of life.
Collocations
- exceptional longevity
- career longevity
- longevity genes
Example sentences
- "Studies of 'Blue Zones' suggest that a plant-based diet contributes to human longevity." Health
- "The longevity of his career in the film industry is a testament to his adaptability." Career
Memory hook
Longevity... Long-evity (long age). Long life.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean 'height' or 'distance'; it is strictly about time.
Fun facts
- The oldest verified human, Jeanne Calment, had a longevity of 122 years and 164 days.
Related words
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