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Linger

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To stay in a place longer than necessary, often due to reluctance to leave.
2. To remain or continue for a longer period than expected, especially in a way that suggests delay or hesitation.
3. To persist in an area or state, often in a slow or leisurely manner.
4. To hang around or remain in a spot without a clear purpose.
5. To last or continue for a while, often in a subtle or fading way.

History and Origin

The word “linger” comes from the Middle English lenger, meaning “to delay” or “to remain,” and is related to the Old French linguer (to delay). It ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic langjan, which means “to make long” or “to prolong.” The term has been used since the 14th century and originally referred to staying in a place longer than necessary. Over time, it has broadened to describe anything that remains or lasts longer than anticipated, whether physically, emotionally, or in terms of time.

Detailed Explanation

“Linger” is used when someone or something stays in one place longer than usual or necessary. The action of lingering is often marked by reluctance to leave, either due to enjoyment, hesitation, or other emotional reasons. In its literal sense, it can describe someone slowly departing from a location, such as after a pleasant gathering or during a difficult goodbye. The word can also be used figuratively to describe something that continues for an extended period, such as a feeling, sensation, or event. For instance, an unpleasant smell might linger in a room long after the source has been removed, or an emotional experience might linger in someone’s thoughts. Lingering often suggests a sense of delay or something that remains with a person for a time, even if not physically present.

Example Sentences

1. She lingered at the door, hesitant to leave the party.
2. The aroma of freshly baked cookies lingered in the kitchen long after they were gone.
3. They lingered over coffee, enjoying the conversation well into the afternoon.
4. After the storm, the clouds lingered in the sky, refusing to clear.
5. He lingered in the hallway, unsure whether to knock on the door.
6. The pain from the breakup lingered for weeks, making it hard to focus.
7. The children lingered outside, reluctant to come in before dark.
8. The old house seemed to linger in the memories of the family.
9. Even after the meeting ended, the tension lingered in the air.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Loiter – To stay in a place without purpose or intent, often in an idle manner.
2. Dwell – To remain in a state or place, typically for an extended time.
3. Stay – To remain in a place or situation, often for a desired or extended period.
4. Tarry – To delay leaving or remain in one place for a time.
5. Prolong – To make something last longer than expected or intended.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Delay – The act of causing something to happen later than planned, often associated with lingering.
2. Pause – A temporary stop or break, which may lead to lingering for a time.
3. Hesitate – To delay action or decision due to uncertainty, often linked with lingering in place.
4. Remain – To stay in a place or state, similar to the concept of lingering.
5. Persist – To continue or endure, often used to describe lingering conditions or effects.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Wander – To move aimlessly, sometimes resulting in lingering in an area.
2. Loitering – Staying in one place without a clear purpose, often in a way that could be seen as lingering.
3. Languish – To suffer or fade slowly, sometimes used metaphorically to describe lingering in a state of weakness.
4. Endure – To persist through time, especially in a way that could be described as lingering.
5. Hang around – To stay in an area for a period, often without a particular purpose, similar to lingering.

Antonyms

1. Rush
2. Leave
3. Depart
4. Hasten
5. Exit