Lingered: meaning, definitions and examples

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lingered

 

[ ˈlɪŋɡərd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

lasted longer

To linger means to stay in a place longer than necessary, often due to reluctance to leave or the desire to enjoy the moment. It can refer to both physical presence and emotional experiences. This verb can also suggest a sense of hesitance or indecision. Lingering often evokes a feeling of nostalgia or attachment to a particular time or place.

Synonyms

dawdle, loiter, remain, stay, tarry

Examples of usage

  • She lingered at the party, not wanting the night to end.
  • The scent of the flowers lingered in the air.
  • He lingered in the doorway, debating whether to go in.
  • Memories of the summer vacation lingered in her mind.
  • After the movie, they lingered to discuss the plot.

Translations

Translations of the word "lingered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 permanecido

🇮🇳 रुका हुआ

🇩🇪 verweilt

🇮🇩 berlama-lama

🇺🇦 засиджувався

🇵🇱 pozostawał

🇯🇵 留まった

🇫🇷 tardé

🇪🇸 permanecido

🇹🇷 uzun süre kalmak

🇰🇷 머물렀다

🇸🇦 تأخر

🇨🇿 setrvával

🇸🇰 zostával

🇨🇳 徘徊

🇸🇮 ostajal

🇮🇸 dvalist

🇰🇿 қалуы

🇬🇪 დარჩენა

🇦🇿 qaldı

🇲🇽 quedó

Word origin

The word 'linger' originates from the Middle English term 'lingen,' which is derived from the Old Norse 'langa', meaning 'to be long'. The historical development of 'linger' shows a shift from being a straightforward reference to length of time to encompassing nuanced meanings of hesitation, attachment, and reluctance. Over centuries, it has been used to describe both the physical act of remaining longer in a space and the emotional weight of reminiscing or holding onto a moment or feeling. Its usage in literature often conveys a deeper, reflective state, highlighting the emotional connections we forge with experiences.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,190, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.