LINGER Meaning and
Definition
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Linger is a verb that refers to the act of staying or remaining in a place or situation, typically longer than necessary or expected. It often implies a delay in leaving or a reluctance to depart. When one lingers, they prolong their presence or prolong an action, indicating a sense of hesitancy or reluctance to let go. It can involve lingering physically, emotionally, or mentally.
In a physical sense, lingering may involve staying in a location despite having completed one's purpose, such as lingering in a coffee shop after finishing a drink or remaining at a friend's house after the gathering has concluded. Emotionally, lingering may manifest as a person holding on to a feeling, memory, or attachment, whether positive or negative, often resulting in difficulty moving forward. Mentally, lingering can signify staying preoccupied with thoughts, ideas, or worries, thus preventing focus on present tasks or future plans.
The term "linger" generally encompasses a sense of prolonging or extending a situation beyond its anticipated or desired duration. It suggests a lack of haste or a hesitation to depart, with undertones of clinging and not easily letting go. Lingering may arise from various reasons, such as reluctance to say goodbye, cherishing a moment, uncertainty about the next step, or simply wanting to savor an experience or atmosphere a bit longer.
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To delay; to loiter; to be slow in action or decision; to be protracted.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LINGER
Etymology of LINGER
The word "linger" originates from the Middle English term "lengeren", which can be traced back to the Old English word "lengan". This Old English term had multiple meanings, including "to delay", "prolong", or "stay behind". "Lengan" itself is believed to have come from the Proto-Germanic word "*langjan", which means "to prolong" or "lengthen". Additionally, the Proto-Germanic word is likely derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*del-", meaning "long" or "draw out". Hence, the etymology of "linger" suggests a connection with the concept of lingering or prolonging an action or remaining for an extended period.
Idioms with the word LINGER
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linger around
The idiom "linger around" typically means to stay or remain in a place, often for an extended period of time, without any specific purpose or reason. It implies a sense of lingering or loitering without a clear intention to leave or engage in any meaningful activity.
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linger on
The idiom "linger on" means to stay or remain in a place or situation for a longer time than necessary or expected, usually implying a reluctance to leave. It can also refer to the act of extending or continuing beyond the usual or expected duration.
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linger over sth
The expression "linger over something" means to take more time than necessary or to enjoy and savor something slowly. It refers to the act of delaying or extending the duration of an activity or experience, often done in order to fully appreciate, enjoy, or reflect on it.
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linger on sth
The idiom "linger on something" means to remain or stay in a particular place, situation, or state for an extended period of time. It can also refer to the act of continuing to think about or be affected by something even after it is over or no longer relevant.
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linger on (after sm or sth)
The idiom "linger on (after someone or something)" means to continue existing or remaining, often longer than expected or necessary, even after the person or thing that was the initial cause or focus of attention is gone or has ended. It implies a sense of persistence, prolongation, or hesitation.
Similar spelling words for LINGER
- lunger,
- lingering,
- lingerer,
- singer,
- lingerie,
- linker,
- finger,
- longer,
- liner,
- ginger,
- lingers,
- langer,
- lingard,
- line,
- linear.
Conjugate verb Linger
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have lingered
you
would have lingered
he/she/it
would have lingered
we
would have lingered
they
would have lingered
I
would have linger
you
would have linger
he/she/it
would have linger
we
would have linger
they
would have linger
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been lingering
you
would have been lingering
he/she/it
would have been lingering
we
would have been lingering
they
would have been lingering
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would linger
you
would linger
he/she/it
would linger
we
would linger
they
would linger
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be lingering
you
would be lingering
he/she/it
would be lingering
we
would be lingering
they
would be lingering
FUTURE
I
will linger
you
will linger
he/she/it
will linger
we
will linger
they
will linger
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be lingering
you
will be lingering
he/she/it
will be lingering
we
will be lingering
they
will be lingering
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have lingered
you
will have lingered
he/she/it
will have lingered
we
will have lingered
they
will have lingered
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been lingering
you
will have been lingering
he/she/it
will have been lingering
we
will have been lingering
they
will have been lingering
IMPERATIVE
you
linger
we
let´s linger
to linger
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was lingering
you
were lingering
he/she/it
was lingering
we
were lingering
they
were lingering
PAST PARTICIPLE
lingered
PAST PERFECT
I
had lingered
you
had lingered
he/she/it
had lingered
we
had lingered
they
had lingered
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been lingering
you
had been lingering
he/she/it
had been lingering
we
had been lingering
they
had been lingering
PRESENT
I
linger
you
linger
he/she/it
lingers
we
linger
they
linger
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am lingering
you
are lingering
he/she/it
is lingering
we
are lingering
they
are lingering
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
lingering
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have lingered
you
have lingered
he/she/it
has lingered
we
have lingered
they
have lingered
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been lingering
you
have been lingering
he/she/it
has been lingering
we
have been lingering
they
have been lingering
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
linger
SIMPLE PAST
I
lingered
you
lingered
he/she/it
lingered
we
lingered
they
lingered
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