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lingered
/ˈlɪŋɡərd/
stayed longer than expected
The smell of fresh bread lingered in the kitchen long after she left.
The scent of fresh bread remained in the kitchen for an unusually long time after she departed.
neutral
To stay in a place longer than necessary due to reluctance to leave.
Tourists lingered in the museum, unwilling to leave even after closing time.
The tourists stayed in the museum, hesitant to depart despite the closing announcement.
The pain lingered for weeks after the injury.
The discomfort persisted for several weeks following the accident.
Often implies a sense of reluctance, hesitation, or unwillingness to depart. Can also describe abstract things (e.g., emotions, smells) that persist.
neutral
To proceed slowly or with hesitation.
He lingered at the door, unsure whether to enter.
He hesitated at the entrance, delaying his decision to go inside.
Commonly used to describe physical movement or actions when someone is moving slowly or reluctantly.
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'lingered'
While 'lingered' is useful for describing reluctance or persistence, overusing it can make writing sound melodramatic. Use synonyms like 'remained' or 'persisted' for variety.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative Use
'Lingered' can describe both physical presence (e.g., 'She lingered in the room') and abstract persistence (e.g., 'The pain lingered'). Ensure the context matches the intended meaning.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'lingeren', likely of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse 'linga' (to delay) and Swedish 'linga' (to go slowly). The word entered English in the late Middle Ages.
Usage Notes
Common in both literal and figurative contexts. In literature, it often conveys a mood of nostalgia or reluctance. Avoid using it to describe quick or decisive actions.
Word Breakdown
linger
to stay longer than expected
root-ed
past tense suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary