at length

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English[edit]

Prepositional phrase[edit]

at length

  1. For a long time; extensively.
    Synonyms: abidingly, duratively, protractedly; see also Thesaurus:lastingly
    He went on at length about his supposed qualifications.
  2. (formal or dated) At last, finally, eventually.
    Synonyms: at last, sooner or later, ultimately; see also Thesaurus:eventually, Thesaurus:lastly
    She led us through the tunnels for some time, until at length we reached a small door in the rock.
    • 1861, E. J. Guerin, Mountain Charley, page 26:
      Through all these she persistently pursued the object of her mission. Her search lasted for long weary years—she followed it unweariedly, till at length she was rewarded.
    • 1898, J. Meade Falkner, chapter 4, in Moonfleet:
      How long I slept I cannot tell, for I had nothing to guide me to the time, but woke at length, and found myself still in darkness.
    • 1903, P. G. Wodehouse, A Prefect's Uncle[1], A & C Black:
      ‘You got rather left there, old chap,’ said Monk at length.
  3. (archaic) In full; without omission or abbreviation.
    Synonyms: entirely, fully, whole cloth; see also Thesaurus:completely
    • 1800, Francis Vincent, United States Register, page 4:
      The proceedings of Congress are not given, since they are inserted at length in the "Congressional Globe;" but the principal bills are noticed under the date of their passage.

Translations[edit]