What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
linger
Example
She lingered at the park, enjoying the sunset. [linger: verb]
Example
The aroma of freshly baked bread made him linger in the bakery. [linger: verb]
Example
He lingered over his coffee, savoring the flavor. [linger: verb]
loiter
Example
The security guard asked the teenagers not to loiter in front of the store. [loiter: verb]
Example
He was caught loitering near the crime scene. [loitering: gerund or present participle]
Example
The sign said 'No Loitering' in bold letters. [loitering: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Linger is more commonly used than loiter in everyday language. Linger is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while loiter is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between linger and loiter?
Both linger and loiter are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
