Linger: meaning, definitions and examples

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linger

 

[ ˈlɪŋɡər ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

intransitive

Stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.

Synonyms

dawdle, loiter, prolong

Examples of usage

  • He lingered in the hallway, not quite ready to enter the room.
  • She lingered at the edge of the party, feeling out of place.
  • Don't linger too long at the restaurant, we have a movie to catch.
  • The scent of her perfume lingered in the air long after she had left.
  • The memories of their time together lingered in his mind.
Context #2 | Verb

transitive

Be slow to disappear or die.

Synonyms

endure, persist, remain

Examples of usage

  • The taste of the cake lingered on his tongue.
  • The warmth of the sun lingered on her skin.
  • The feeling of sadness lingered in his heart.

Translations

Translations of the word "linger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 permanecer

🇮🇳 रुकना

🇩🇪 verweilen

🇮🇩 berlama-lama

🇺🇦 затримуватися

🇵🇱 pozostać

🇯🇵 とどまる

🇫🇷 s'attarder

🇪🇸 permanecer

🇹🇷 oyalanmak

🇰🇷 머무르다

🇸🇦 تأخر

🇨🇿 zůstat

🇸🇰 zostať

🇨🇳 逗留

🇸🇮 ostati

🇮🇸 dvelja

🇰🇿 кідіру

🇬🇪 დარჩენა

🇦🇿 qalmaq

🇲🇽 permanecer

Etymology

The word 'linger' originated from the Middle English word 'lengeren', which meant to dwell or delay. It has roots in the Old English word 'lengan', meaning to prolong or extend. Over time, the meaning of 'linger' has evolved to represent staying in a place longer than necessary, often due to reluctance or a slow disappearance. The word has been used in various literary works to convey the sense of hesitation or prolongation.

See also: ling, lingerie, lingo.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,069, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.