Lingerer: meaning, definitions and examples

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lingerer

[ˈlɪŋɡərər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in legal context

A person who stays in a place longer than necessary, especially in order to obtain benefits.

Synonyms

loiterer, sponge, trespasser.

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. He was a lingerer at the party, chatting with everyone until the very end. The lingerer remained at the cafe, sipping coffee slowly.
loiterer	Someone who stands or waits around idly without a clear purpose, often in public places. This term can sometimes carry a negative connotation. The loiterer was seen waiting outside the store for over an hour. There are often loiterers in the park after dark.
trespasser	Someone who enters private property without permission, often implying illegal or unauthorized entry. The trespasser was caught sneaking into the abandoned building. Trespassers will be prosecuted, as stated on the sign.
sponge	A person who relies on others for money, food, or other resources without giving anything back. This term carries a negative connotation. He's a sponge, always asking for money but never paying it back. Don't be a sponge; try to contribute something to the group.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal context

A person who lingers without purpose or intention.

Synonyms

dawdler, idler, loafer.

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. After the party ended, he was the only lingerer, chatting for hours
loafer	Someone who avoids work and prefers relaxation, often used in a critical way. Instead of getting a job, he spent his days as a loafer, lounging at home
dawdler	Someone who takes more time than necessary to complete a task, often moving slowly and wasting time. On the way to school, she was a dawdler, stopping to look at everything
idler	Someone who avoids work or is habitually lazy, often with a negative connotation. He was known as an idler, never taking any responsibilities seriously

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "lingerer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 permanecer

🇮🇳 देर करने वाला (der karne wala)

🇩🇪 Zauderer

🇮🇩 berlama-lama

🇺🇦 баритися

🇵🇱 ociągać się

🇯🇵 ぐずぐずする人 (guzuguzu suru hito)

🇫🇷 traînard

🇪🇸 rezagado

🇹🇷 oyalanan

🇰🇷 꾸물거리는 사람 (kkumulgeorineun saram)

🇸🇦 متواني (mutawani)

🇨🇿 otálející

🇸🇰 váhavý

🇨🇳 磨蹭的人 (mó cèng de rén)

🇸🇮 obotavljivec

🇮🇸 hikandi

🇰🇿 кешігуші (keshigushi)

🇬🇪 დროის გამლეჯი (drois gamleji)

🇦🇿 təxirə salan

🇲🇽 rezagado

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.

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...