rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydurationLength of time
noun

duration

doo-RAY-shun/duˈreɪʃn/

The length of time that something lasts.

The sand's passage through the hourglass measures a fixed duration.

An hourglass with a measured stream of sand between two bulbs, conveying elapsed time.
Etymology
durLatinto harden
+ationLatinaction or process

The “to harden” root connects with lasting or continuing. Duration names this continuance in time and, more specifically, the span of time for which something continues.

In context

Peghen3:01
They are pausing. That pause is one of Constable's great secrets. Instead of dramatic action, he gives us duration. The sensation that time is passing naturally.
Why John Constables The Hay Wain Changed Landscape Painting

More examples

  • Please remain seated for the duration of the flight.
  • The two treatments have different durations.
  • We measure the duration of each call in minutes.

Forms

duration · durations

Similar words

length
Can describe physical size as well as time.
span
Emphasizes the interval between a beginning and an end.
period
Names a stretch of time, not necessarily its length.