How Do You Spell LINGER?

Pronunciation: [lˈɪŋɡə] (IPA)

Linger /ˈlɪŋɡər/ is a verb that means to stay in a place longer than necessary, often because one is reluctant to leave. The spelling of this word is pronounced with a long "i" sound followed by the consonant "ng" and then a short "e" sound. The "er" at the end is pronounced with a schwa sound, making it a common letter combination in English words. The spelling of Linger may take some practice, but with the help of phonetic transcription, one can master its correct spelling and use it accurately in a sentence.

LINGER Meaning and Definition

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

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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