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Lingering: meaning, definitions and examples

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lingering

 

[ ˈlɪŋɡərɪŋ ]

Verb / Adjective
Context #1 | Verb

delayed action

To linger means to remain in a place longer than necessary, often due to reluctance to leave. It can imply that someone is hesitating or that something is persisting in time, especially in an emotional or sensory context.

Synonyms

delay, loiter, remain, tarry

Examples of usage

  • She lingered at the door, not wanting to say goodbye.
  • The scent of roses lingered in the air.
  • He lingered over his breakfast, enjoying the moment.
  • They lingered in the park as the sun set.
Context #2 | Adjective

lasting effect

As an adjective, lingering describes something that lasts for a long time or is enduring. It often refers to a sensation, feeling, or memory that does not fade quickly.

Synonyms

enduring, lasting, memorable, persistent

Examples of usage

  • She felt a lingering sadness after the departure.
  • A lingering fear kept him from moving forward.
  • The lingering taste of chocolate was delightful.
  • There was a lingering doubt in his mind.

Word origin

The word 'linger' originates from the Middle English 'lingen', which is derived from the Old Norse word 'lingra', meaning 'to become weak' or 'to fade.' Its origins can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic '*lingwō', which relates to the idea of remaining or being slow. Historically, 'linger' has been associated with a hesitance or slowness in action, reflecting a desire to prolong a moment or experience. Over the centuries, its usage has expanded to encompass both physical and emotional contexts—ranging from the act of remaining in a place longer than necessary to embodying feelings or memories that persist over time. The word has retained a largely negative connotation, suggesting a reluctance to move on from a moment or experience.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,875, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.