Lingerer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lingerer
[ˈlɪŋɡərər ]
Definitions
in legal context
A person who stays in a place longer than necessary, especially in order to obtain benefits.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lingerer |
Someone who stays in a place longer than necessary, often because they are hesitant to leave.
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| loiterer |
Someone who stands or waits around idly without a clear purpose, often in public places. This term can sometimes carry a negative connotation.
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| trespasser |
Someone who enters private property without permission, often implying illegal or unauthorized entry.
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| sponge |
A person who relies on others for money, food, or other resources without giving anything back. This term carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He was exposed as a benefit fraudster and a convicted lingerer.
- The security guard caught the lingerer trying to sneak into the building after hours.
informal context
A person who lingers without purpose or intention.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lingerer |
Someone who stays in a place longer than necessary, often because they don't want to leave.
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| loafer |
Someone who avoids work and prefers relaxation, often used in a critical way.
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| dawdler |
Someone who takes more time than necessary to complete a task, often moving slowly and wasting time.
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| idler |
Someone who avoids work or is habitually lazy, often with a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The park was filled with lingerers enjoying the sunshine.
- She was known as the office lingerer, always finding excuses to stay late.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People may linger in conversations to create deeper social connections, expressing their need for belonging.
- Studies show that lingering in happy places can increase feelings of well-being and lower stress.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, lingering at meals is a sign of friendship and hospitality, promoting bonding among family and friends.
- Literature often portrays lingerers as thoughtful characters, showcasing their contemplative nature and deeper insights.
Literature
- In novels, lingerers often symbolize nostalgia, representing characters who are unable to let go of the past.
- Famous poets like Robert Frost have celebrated the beauty of lingering in nature, showing the appreciation of small moments.
Pop Culture
- In movies, lingerers may be depicted as romantic figures who hesitate before making decisions, adding to the tension of the story.
- Television shows sometimes feature lingerers as comedic characters who overstay their welcome, leading to humorous situations.
Origin of 'lingerer'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'linger' comes from the Middle English 'lingeren,' which means to delay or stay behind.
- It shares roots with the Old Norse word 'lingra,' which also means to grow weak or take time.
The word 'lingerer' originated from the verb 'linger,' which first appeared in the 14th century. The term 'linger' is derived from the Old English word 'lengan,' meaning 'to prolong' or 'delay.' Over time, 'lingerer' evolved to describe someone who stays in a place longer than necessary. The negative connotation of the term is often associated with laziness or suspicious behavior.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #42,104, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.