Word
linger
To stay in a place or situation longer than necessary or expected.
Meanings
To continue to stay in a place or situation after others have left or after the appropriate time.
To persist or remain present, often subtly, especially in reference to emotions, sensations, or effects.
Definition
When something or someone lingers, it means they remain present for an extended period, often after others have left or after it was expected to disappear. This can apply to people, feelings, smells, or effects, suggesting a reluctance to leave or a persistent presence. It conveys a sense of slowness or unwillingness to depart, allowing a moment, sensation, or condition to endure.
Examples
- After the family dinner, a few guests chose to linger in the living room, deep in conversation.
- The delicate scent of jasmine continued to linger in the garden long after the sun had set.
- Despite the encouraging news, a feeling of unease still lingered in her mind for several hours.
- He liked to linger over his morning coffee, enjoying the quiet start to his day before the rush.
- The effects of the strong medication can sometimes linger in the system, causing drowsiness.
Common mistake
A common mistake is to confuse "linger" with "loiter," where "loiter" often implies idleness with an ulterior or suspicious motive, while "linger" is more neutral, simply meaning to stay longer than expected.
More at C1 level
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More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.