Definitions
- To extend the duration of something that is already happening. - To make something last longer than it would naturally or normally. - To continue doing something beyond the expected or usual time.
- To cause something to happen later than planned or expected. - To postpone or put off an event or activity. - To take longer than usual to do something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve a slowing down or extension of time.
- 2Both words can refer to a change in schedule or timeline.
- 3Both words can have negative connotations if they cause inconvenience or frustration.
What is the difference?
- 1Cause: Prolong implies an intentional effort to extend something, while delay can be caused by external factors beyond one's control.
- 2Duration: Prolong refers to extending the length of something that is already happening, while delay refers to pushing back the start or completion of something.
- 3Connotation: Prolong can have positive connotations if it refers to extending something desirable, while delay often has negative connotations if it causes inconvenience or frustration.
- 4Responsibility: Prolong implies an active decision or action to extend something, while delay can be caused by external factors beyond one's control.
- 5Usage: Prolong is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, while delay is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Remember this!
Prolong and delay are synonyms that both involve a slowing down or extension of time. However, the difference between them lies in their cause, duration, connotation, responsibility, and usage. Prolong implies an intentional effort to extend something that is already happening, while delay can be caused by external factors beyond one's control and refers to pushing back the start or completion of something.
