View synonyms for

linger

[ ling-ger ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

to remain or stay on in a place longer than is usual or expected, as if from reluctance to leave:
We lingered awhile after the party.
Synonyms: ,
to remain alive; continue or persist, although gradually dying, ceasing, disappearing, etc.:
She lingered a few months after the heart attack. Such practices still linger among the older natives.
to dwell in contemplation, thought, or enjoyment:
to linger over the beauty of a painting.
to be tardy in action; delay; dawdle:
to linger in discharging one's duties.
Synonyms:
to walk slowly; saunter along.
Synonyms:

verb (used with object)

to pass (time, life, etc.) in a leisurely or a tedious manner (usually followed by away or out ):
We lingered away the whole summer at the beach.
Archaic. to draw out or protract.

linger

/ ˈ��ɪŋɡə /

verb

to delay or prolong departure
to go in a slow or leisurely manner; saunter
to remain just alive for some time prior to death
to persist or continue, esp in the mind
to be slow to act; dither; procrastinate

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Derived Forms

ˈ��Բ��Բ��, adverb
ˈ��Բ��, noun
ˈ��Բ��Բ�, adjective

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Other Word Forms

��g��·�� noun
��g��·��Բ�·�� adverb
�ǳܳ�l��g�� verb (used with object)
��v��·��g�� verb (used without object)
�ܲ�·��g��·��Բ� adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of linger¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English lengeren “to dwell, remain,” literally, “to delay repeatedly,” from lengen, Old English lengan “to delay, lengthen, prolong”; long ¹, -er ⁶

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Word History and Origins

Origin of linger¹

C13 (northern dialect) lengeren to dwell, from lengen to prolong, from Old English lengan; related to Old Norse lengja; see long ¹

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

And though downtown has since seen some development, a looming sense of disarray and decline lingers.

From

The metaphor lingers in the air, underscoring the toll taken by all of the operations.

From

As the Sunday evening set’s start time lingered over his head, Junior H traded his casual, pink jersey for an all-white outfit that would contrast his band’s all-black attire.

From

James doubled-down on his role in the Lakers’ offense on Friday, simplifying any lingering questions about hierarchy now that the playoffs are here.

From

She stands in front of the machine and raises her arms, allowing the romanticism of the image she’s created to linger.

From

Related Words

lingcod lingerie

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