Linger
'lɪŋɡər
Definitions
2 meaningsTo remain or stay in a place longer than usual or expected.
'lɪŋɡər
To stay in a place longer than necessary or expected.
He lingered in the doorway, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're having a great time at a park. If you 'linger,' it means you stay there a bit longer because you don't want to leave yet, maybe because the ice cream is delicious or you are talking to a friend
👶 For kids: To stay somewhere for a long time.
More Examples
The smell of freshly baked bread lingered in the kitchen all morning.
After the movie, we lingered in the cafe, discussing the plot.
How It's Used
"She lingered at the party, talking to friends."
"The scent of roses lingered in the air long after they were gone."
To continue or persist for a long time; to be slow to disappear.
'lɪŋɡər
To be slow to disappear or die away.
The echo of his voice lingered in the empty room.
💡 Simply: Think of a feeling or memory that you just can't shake, like the feeling of excitement you had at a party. When it 'lingers', it means it sticks around for a while, even after the party is over.
👶 For kids: To stay around for a long time like a smell.
More Examples
A sense of unease lingered in the air after the argument.
The aftertaste of the coffee lingered for a long time.
How It's Used
"The effects of the medication lingered for several hours."
"The memory of their argument lingered in her mind."
Idioms & expressions
linger over
To spend a long time doing or considering something, especially in a relaxed or enjoyable way.
"They lingered over their coffee, enjoying the peaceful morning."
From Middle English *lengen*, from Old English *lengian* ('to delay, stay'), from Proto-Germanic *langaz* ('long').
The word 'linger' has been used since Middle English, originally to mean 'to tarry' or 'delay.'
Memory tip
Imagine a person 'lingering' at a store because they're enjoying the atmosphere, not because they need to shop.
Word Origin
"to delay, stay"