The topic of this post is how to describe a long time in a story. Scroll down to learn about 10 words you can use to describe the passage of a long period of time in your novel.
1. Prolonged
Definition
Lasting for an extended period or for longer than expected.
Examples
“The prolonged wait in the emergency room made both my wife and I anxious about our son’s deteriorating condition.”
“Gina’s absence was prolonged, leaving everyone in the village to wonder if she had survived her trip to the mainland.”
How it Adds Description
The word “prolonged” can evoke a sense of weariness or resilience in your character by placing them in a position that leads them to experience anguish, determination, or introspection. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to explore their growth throughout the plot, highlighting their growth or lack of progress.
2. Interminable
Definition
Seemingly endless; incapable of being terminated or concluded.
Examples
“Waiting for the test results from his biopsy felt interminable, filling him with palpable anxiety.”
“The suspect’s interminable bogus explanations only served to confuse the already frustrated detectives searching for the missing girl.”
How it Adds Description
By using “interminable” to describe a character’s experience of time, you convey endlessness and weariness. This could make the character feel trapped, desperate, and disheartened, leading them to make impulsive decisions or seek a resolution fervently. They might face challenges that seem impossible, making their eventual success more rewarding for readers.
3. Epochal
Definition
Relating to a long period marked by significant events or developments.
Examples
“The discovery of electricity marked an epochal moment in human history and he was proud to say he had witnessed it firsthand.”
“After an epochal era of peace, the kingdom faced its greatest threat yet from an unexpected enemy.”
How it Adds Description
Incorporating the term “epochal” to describe a long time lends a sense of significance and transformation to your character’s journey. This could motivate them to act with a sense of purpose and wisdom, having witnessed and endured numerous changes. Such exceptional perspective could make them a pivotal figure who influences the course of events.
4. Eternity
Definition
A state of infinite or endless time; timelessness.
Examples
“The lovers promised to stay together for eternity, bound by an unbreakable bond.”
“As the seconds ticked by in what seemed like slow motion, waiting for the ambulance felt like an eternity.”
How it Adds Description
Adding ‘eternity’ to describe a long time instills a sense of infiniteness and gravity that may evoke thoughts of isolation and despair in your character. The wisdom that comes with such a long time may also allow for your character to contemplate consequences deeply. Their perpetual existence may push them to find purpose or question their place in the world or events.
5. Ageless
Definition
Existing outside of or beyond the effects of time.
Examples
“The legendary sword was said to possess ageless power, defying the ravages of time.”
“In the ancient forest, Tara encountered an ageless being who had been in existence for centuries.”
How it Adds Description
The word “ageless” implies that your character has endured the passage of time without visibly aging. This uniqueness could make the character feel disconnected from their surroundings and prompt introspection. This trait can deepen their mystery and spark curiosity in other characters, potentially unveiling crucial plot elements about their origins or purpose in the story.
6. Lingering
Definition
Lasting for a long time; continuing or persisting without a definite end.
Examples
“The lingering scent of roses reminded her of the happy times they spent together on his family farm in Alabama.”
“He was unable to commit fully to the mission due to his lingering doubts about the motives behind it.”
How it Adds Description
“Lingering” creates a sense that your character is experiencing a prolonged emotional burden and uncertainty. This feeling of enduring presence may lead the character to hesitate in making crucial decisions or struggle with unresolved emotions. This can create a deeper connection with the readers as they empathize with the character’s situation.\
7. Endless
Definition
Having no end or limits; seeming to go on forever.
Examples
“Their trek through the desert felt endless, with no sign of civilization in sight and dwindling supplies.”
“The queen’s reign seemed endless, lasting for decades beyond those of her predecessors.”
How it Adds Definition
The term “endless” can help show that your character is persevering, battling through the monotony of a long time. Emotionally, they may oscillate between hope and despair, impacting their relationships and choices. The continual nature can deepen the character’s connection to the plot’s central conflict and drive readers to emphasize with their hardships.
8. Eons
Definition
An extremely long and indefinite period; an eternity.
Examples:
“The ancient ruins had been buried for eons before their rediscovery by a group of archaeologists.”
“The cosmic events unfolded over eons, shaping the universe as we know it today.”
How it Adds Description
Incorporating the word “eons” can mean that your character feels burdened by the weight of time, driving them to take decisive actions based on their vast perspective. This experience could provide essential context and a unique vantage point to shape the plot further, revealing hidden knowledge or offering profound insights into the tale’s unfolding events.
9. Forever
Definition
Without end; for all future time; eternally.
Examples:
“The bond between the siblings would last forever, even in the face of adversity.”
“His words of wisdom would echo in her mind forever, guiding her choices and actions.”
How it Adds Description
“Forever” is a word associated with an intense emotional journey. You can use it to shape your character’s actions, making them persevere, struggle, and seek purpose through the ages. The weight of eternity will influence their decisions and relationships throughout the narrative, opening it up to exploration of subjects such as love, vengeance or salvation.
10. Protracted
Definition
Prolonged in time; drawn-out or extended in duration.
Examples
“The protracted legal battle drained their resources and patience but they both refused to abandon the fight.”
“Shelly’s grave illness was protracted and kept her away from school and her friends for several months.”
How it Adds Description
“Protracted” is useful when you want to portray a character who displays patience, tenacity, or moments of gloom, ultimately shaping their actions, emotions, and role in the plot. It heightens the reader’s connection with the character and intensifies the impact of their experiences that carry them through the tale.