long-running

The compound adjective 'long-running' is a modern formation built from two native English elements. The first element, 'long', descends from the Proto-Germanic langaz, carrying the core sense of extended duration. The second element, 'running', originates from the Old English verb for moving swiftly, which evolved to metaphorically describe the ongoing operation or continuity of an activity. The logic of the compound is transparently literal: something that has been 'running' or operating for a 'long' time. This term became particularly established in the 20th century to describe theatrical plays, television series, or situations that achieve and maintain longevity.

Structure: long (lasting) + running (operating) - long: From Old English lang, long, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch lang and German lang. Functions as an adjective meaning 'extending far in space or time'. - running: From Old English rinnan, irnan (to run), of Germanic origin. The present participle form -ing functions as an adjective-forming suffix, indicating a continuous action or state.