Definitions
- Describing a slow and relaxed pace of movement. - Referring to staying in a place or situation longer than necessary or expected. - Talking about a delay or hesitation in leaving a place or finishing an activity.
- Referring to continuing to exist or endure despite obstacles or challenges. - Describing a determination to achieve a goal or overcome a difficulty. - Talking about a behavior or attitude that continues despite attempts to change it.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a continuation of some kind.
- 2Both words can refer to a delay or prolongation of something.
- 3Both words can be used to describe a behavior or attitude that continues over time.
What is the difference?
- 1Duration: Linger implies a shorter duration than persist.
- 2Intensity: Persist implies a stronger and more determined continuation than linger.
- 3Obstacles: Persist implies overcoming obstacles or challenges, while linger does not necessarily involve obstacles.
- 4Connotation: Linger has a more positive connotation than persist, which can have negative connotations of stubbornness or refusal to change.
- 5Usage: Linger is more commonly used in the context of time or physical presence, while persist is more commonly used in the context of behavior or attitude.
Remember this!
Linger and persist both describe a continuation of some kind, but they differ in duration, intensity, obstacles, connotation, and usage. Linger implies a shorter duration and a more relaxed pace, often with a positive connotation. Persist implies a stronger and more determined continuation, often involving overcoming obstacles or challenges, but can have negative connotations of stubbornness or refusal to change.
