0
Ihenry Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

For the longest time - meaning

Hi Teachers

Any of you could enlighten me the meaning of "for the longest time" in the two sentences below.

Looking back, I can honestly say I was alcohol poisoned... After that, I swore off alcohol for the longest time.

For the longest time I thought I was unique in my desire to gain weight, until I discovered from reading a men's magazine that caters to a preference for fat women that a number of men are aroused at the thought, let alone the sight, of a woman eating to grow fatter.

Thanks in advance
  

Top answer

In my opinion, "for the longest time" means "for a very long time", but with an attitude of surprise. It almost means "for a surprisingly long time". " is almost a formula.

  • In my opinion, "for the longest time" means "for a very long time", but with an attitude of surprise.
  • It almost means "for a surprisingly long time".
  • " is almost a formula.
  • ".
  • It shows that the person is a little surprised himself at thinking such a thing for such a long time, given that it turned out to be false.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

2 Answers
0
In my opinion, "for the longest time" means "for a very long time", but with an attitude of surprise.
It almost means "for a surprisingly long time".

"For the longest time I thought ..." is almost a formula. It is saying something like, "For longer than one would think believable I thought ...". It shows that the person is a little surprised himself at thinking such a thing
0
CJ, I agree with you about the most common meaning of the phrase 'for the longest time." But for the first sentence above it might take on a slightly different meaning.

Looking back, I can honestly say I was alcohol poisoned... After that, I swore off alcohol for the longest time.

In my opinion it is saying something like "for what seemed like a very long time

Related Questions