longevity

[ lon-jev-i-tee, lawn- ]

noun

1. a long individual life; great duration of individual life:

   Our family is known for its longevity.

2. the length or duration of life:

   research in human longevity.

3. length of service, tenure, etc.; seniority:

   promotions based on longevity.

longevity

/ lɒnˈdʒɛvɪtɪ; lɒnˈdʒiːvəs /

noun

1. long life
2. relatively long duration of employment, service, etc

Derived Forms

• longevous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of longevity¹

From the Latin word longaevitās, dating back to 1605–15. See longevous, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of longevity¹

C17: from Late Latin longaevitās, from Latin longaevus long-lived, from longus long ¹+ aevum age

Example Sentences

The Rev Hector Morrison, who is from Lewis and is principal of Highland Theological College UHI, said one reason for the longevity of Lewis and Harris' Sunday traditions were evangelical revivals.

From BBC

Haynes’ remarkable longevity as a performer was underscored over the decades whenever he played at New York City’s venerable jazz club Birdland.

From Los Angeles Times

Recently, strength training has become a hot topic in the world of exercise, in part because research continues to show its benefits for health and longevity.

From Los Angeles Times

We then used this index to gain insights about the survival and longevity of yellow-bellied marmots.

From Salon

Trump has proposed to cut the taxation of all Social Security benefits, which would dramatically weaken the program’s longevity.

From Salon

Related Words

• durability
• endurance