Lingering Meaning: Definition and Examples

Psychology

• Lingering memories often reflect emotional experiences, as strong feelings help us recall details vividly.
• In cognitive psychology, the act of lingering on thoughts can both boost creativity and hinder decision-making.
• Research shows that people tend to linger on negative experiences longer than positive ones, affecting mental health.

Literature

• Authors use 'lingering' to create tension; characters may linger in a moment of decision, heightening reader engagement.
• In poetry, lingering imagery creates lasting impressions, inviting readers to visualize scenes long after reading.
• Classic novels often explore themes of lingering emotions, portraying characters caught in their past.

Art

• In visual arts, a lingering gaze can evoke deeper emotions, making viewers reflect on the artwork.
• Artists often depict lingering moments in their work, using light and shadow to create an atmosphere of suspension in time.
• The concept of lingering space is explored in modern art, where empty areas invite contemplation.

Cultural Practices

• In many cultures, lingering over meals signifies hospitality and a bond among family and friends.
• Ceremonies often incorporate lingering moments, allowing participants to reflect on emotions and connections shared.
• Lingering traditions during festivity seasons invite people to savor experiences rather than rushing through them.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from Middle English 'lingeren', which has ties to the Old Norse word 'lingra', meaning to be slow.
• Its roots imply a sense of slowness or delay, often associated with savoring a moment.
• First recorded use is around the 14th century, showing the long-standing nature of the concept.

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.

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

• ...
• 10872 unnecessarily
• 10873 benevolence
• 10874 lexical
• 10875 lingering
• 10876 binder
• 10877 admiral
• 10878 illicit
• ...