linger
What does "linger" mean?
To linger means to stay in a place longer than necessary, often because you are reluctant to leave or are enjoying the moment. Imagine someone standing by the door after a party has ended, slowly putting on their coat because they aren't quite ready to say goodbye to the conversation. It is often used when something—a feeling, a scent, or a person—fades away very slowly rather than disappearing instantly. While it can describe physical movement, it is frequently used metaphorically for things like "the scent of perfume lingered in the room" or "a lingering doubt."
"linger" in conversation
Leaving a cafe
I really don't want to head back to the office yet.
I really don't want to head back to the office yet.
Me neither. Let's linger for another ten minutes and finish our coffee.
Me neither. Let's linger for another ten minutes and finish our coffee.
Used here to suggest staying slightly longer than planned to enjoy the atmosphere.
After a goodbye
Why are you still standing by the gate?
Why are you still standing by the gate?
I don't know, I just lingered a bit because I didn't want the night to end.
I don't know, I just lingered a bit because I didn't want the night to end.
Highlights the emotional reluctance to move on.
"linger" in a sentence
She lingered at the doorway.
She lingered at the doorway.
The smell of smoke lingered in the kitchen for hours.
The smell of smoke lingered in the kitchen for hours.
Despite the doctor's reassurance, a lingering sense of anxiety remained with him throughout the day.
Despite the doctor's reassurance, a lingering sense of anxiety remained with him throughout the day.
