linger

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/ˈlɪŋɡɚ/
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To remain beyond the time when leaving or ending might be expected.
Practice using linger in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Will this cold weather linger into April?
  • Why did they linger so long after everyone left?
  • Do not linger in the doorway.
  • The smell of smoke lingered in the kitchen.
  • The pain faded, but the tiredness lingered.

Similar words

remain
continue
persist
last
tarry
survive
loiter
endure
remain
dawdle

Meanings

Staying longer

verb
everyday
neutral
To stay in a place or keep doing something longer than expected, often because leaving is difficult or the moment is enjoyable.

Examples

  • We lingered outside the theater after the show.
  • Do not linger in the doorway.
  • She lingered over her coffee and watched the rain.
  • Why did they linger so long after everyone left?
  • He wanted to linger by the lake until sunset.

Similar words

stay
remain
wait
loiter
dawdle
tarry

Continuing to exist

verb
everyday
neutral
To continue to exist, be noticed, or have an effect after most of something has gone or ended.

Examples

  • The smell of smoke lingered in the kitchen.
  • A few doubts still linger in my mind.
  • The pain faded, but the tiredness lingered.
  • Will this cold weather linger into April?
  • Her final words lingered with him for years.

Similar words

persist
remain
continue
endure
last
survive

Etymology

Recorded in Middle English as lengeren, from an older verb meaning to stay or make something last longer, and related to long.

FAQ

What does linger mean?

To linger is to stay longer than expected or to continue existing after something else has ended.

Is linger usually a negative word?

No. Linger can describe an enjoyable delay, but it can also suggest an unwanted or troubling continuation.

What is the difference between linger and stay?

Stay simply means to remain, while linger often suggests remaining longer than expected or leaving slowly.

Can a feeling or smell linger?

Yes. A feeling, smell, memory, illness, or effect can linger when it continues for a long time.

How is linger pronounced?

Linger is pronounced /ˈlɪŋɡɚ/ in General American English.

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