linger — to stay somewhere longer than necessary because you do not want to leave
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to stay somewhere longer than necessary because you do not want to leave
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlɪŋɡər/
Example Sentences
- The student lingered after class, hoping to ask the teacher about yesterday's homework he forgot to do.
- The awkward silence lingered in the room after he accidentally called his boss 'mom'.
- She lingered at the bookstore, reading the first chapters of books she couldn't afford.
linger
VERB[/ˈlɪŋɡər/]
to stay somewhere longer than necessary because you do not want to leave
She lets the last sip of coffee linger as sunset paints the cafe window.
The singer lingers on stage, her finger tracing memories.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'lingeren', derived from Old Norse 'lengja' meaning 'to lengthen' or 'to prolong'. The word entered English through Scandinavian influence during the medieval period.
Breakdown
ling- (to delay/prolong, from Old Norse lengja) + -er (verb suffix) = linger
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The student lingered after class, hoping to ask the teacher about yesterday's homework he forgot to do.”
“The awkward silence lingered in the room after he accidentally called his boss 'mom'.”
“She lingered at the bookstore, reading the first chapters of books she couldn't afford.”
“The taste of the spicy ramen lingered in his mouth for hours, making him regret his choice.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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