long time
Many years passed
A long time is an extended duration, though the actual length depends entirely on context.
A long time to hold your breath might be two minutes; a long time between visits might be years.
The phrase often appears in greetings: Long time no see!
It's been a long time.
Someone who's been around a long time has extensive experience.
Twelve-month spans
- decadesTen-year periods
- centuriesHundred-year periods
- eonsImmense spans of time
- agesExtended time spans
eternity · lifetime · forever · epoch · era · millennium · perpetuity · prolonged
In different locations
- distanceSpace between two points
- absenceState of not being
- awayNot in this location
- reunionGathering after separation
reconnection · estrangement · interval · gap · hiatus · parting · missing · disconnect
Calm during delays
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- delayEnforced waiting period
- overduePast expected arrival
- finallyAt the end
suspense · expectation · countdown · eventually · queue · postponement · holdup · at last
Stored past experiences
- reminiscenceRecalling past experiences
- yesteryearTime not long past
- bygoneOf earlier times
- rememberRetain in mind
past · old days · way back · once · flashback · recollection · fondly · sentimentality
Very old indeed
- historicalOf documented times
- prehistoricBefore documented civilization
- antiquityGreat age, ancient era
- civilizationAdvanced organized human society
chronicles · archives · ancestors · generations · heritage · legacy · monuments · relics
years
Twelve-month spans
ages · eternity · lifetime · forever · epoch · era · millennium · perpetuity · prolonged · extended
apart
In different locations
reunion · reconnection · estrangement · interval · gap · hiatus · parting · missing · disconnect · lapse
patience
Calm during delays
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- delayEnforced waiting period
- overduePast expected arrival
finally · suspense · expectation · countdown · eventually · queue · postponement · holdup · at last · prolonged
memories
Stored past experiences
- reminiscenceRecalling past experiences
- yesteryearTime not long past
- bygoneOf earlier times
remember · past · old days · way back · once · flashback · recollection · fondly · sentimentality · wistfulness
ancient
Very old indeed
- historicalOf documented times
- prehistoricBefore documented civilization
- antiquityGreat age, ancient era
civilization · chronicles · archives · ancestors · generations · heritage · legacy · monuments · relics · ancestors
elderly
Advanced in age
seasoned · mature · ancient · gray · wrinkles · senior · experienced · old-timer · veteran · generations