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