What is the meaning of duration?

• A. The distance traveled
• B. The amount of time that something lasts
• C. The speed of something
• D. A period of time

Answer: (B)

The meaning of duration is the length of time something lasts. It tells you how long an event or action continues from start to finish, answering the question “how long?” For example, the film’s duration is two hours means the total time from when it begins to when it ends. This concept is different from distance traveled (which describes space covered) and speed (how fast something moves). It’s also more specific than a general period of time; duration focuses on the actual length of that period. In everyday use, you’ll hear about the duration of a movie, a meeting, or a battery life to indicate how long it will or did last.