protracted

Everyday

1. Lasting a long time, often longer than expected or wanted. tree →
2. (verb form) Past of «protract», to make something last longer. tree →

In the lessons

News and formal writing: «a protracted illness», «protracted talks», «a protracted war». In maths, a «protractor» measures angles — a different meaning from the same root (drawing out). Phrases: «a protracted struggle», «protracted negotiations».

Examples

• After protracted talks, the teachers agreed a deal. tree →
• Grandpa recovered from a protracted illness. tree →
• The protracted rain ruined our camping trip. tree →
• The two countries fought a protracted war. tree →
• The meeting was protracted and boring. tree →
• The protracted argument went on all afternoon. tree →
• In vain she tried to tear the robe away; it defied all efforts to be removed, and after horrible and protracted sufferings, she expired. tree →

Note

Formal; everyday words are «long» or «drawn-out». Usually about something unpleasant. Not to be confused with «protractor», the tool for measuring angles in degrees.