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linger

[ˈlɪŋɡər]

linger Definition

  • 1to stay somewhere for a long time, especially after other people have left
  • 2to take a long time to leave or disappear
  • 3to continue to exist or be noticeable for a long time

Using linger: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "linger" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She lingered at the party after everyone else had gone home.

  • Example

    The smell of smoke lingered in the air for hours.

  • Example

    The memory of her smile lingered in his mind long after she was gone.

  • Example

    He lingered over his coffee, enjoying the peace and quiet.

linger Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for linger

Idioms Using linger

  • to remain present or noticeable, especially in a way that is unpleasant or uncomfortable

    Example

    The tension between them lingered in the air long after they had stopped arguing.

  • to be difficult to forget or stop thinking about

    Example

    The image of the accident lingered on his mind for weeks afterwards.

  • to remain hidden or unnoticed, especially in a way that is suspicious or threatening

    Example

    The criminal lingered in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Phrases with linger

  • to continue to exist or be noticeable for a long time

    Example

    The effects of the pandemic will likely linger on for years to come.

  • to take one's time doing something enjoyable

    Example

    We lingered over our meal, savoring each bite.

  • to be remembered for a long time

    Example

    The beauty of the sunset lingered in my memory for days afterwards.

Origins of linger

from Old English 'lingrian', meaning 'dwell, prolong, remain'

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Summary: linger in Brief

To 'linger' [ˈlɪŋɡər] means to stay somewhere for a long time, continue to exist or be noticeable for a long time, or take a long time to leave or disappear. It can be used to describe physical presence, as in 'She lingered at the party after everyone else had gone home,' or emotional presence, as in 'The memory of her smile lingered in his mind long after she was gone.' 'Linger' also appears in phrases like 'linger on,' 'linger over,' and idioms like 'linger in the air,' which denote persistence or difficulty forgetting.

How do native speakers use this expression?