Lingering
/ˈlɪŋɡərɪŋ/
adjectiveverbB2present participle
Definition
Lingering describes something that stays or continues for a while, often longer than expected. It can refer to feelings, smells, or actions that do not stop quickly but remain slowly over time.
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See It in Action
Staying in a place longer than usual
- •She was lingering in the room, not ready to leave.
- •The guests lingered after the party ended.
- •He lingered by the door, unsure if he should go.
Continuing for a long time (smells, feelings, effects)
- •The smell of coffee was lingering in the kitchen.
- •A lingering sadness stayed with her all day.
- •The taste of the meal lingered on my tongue.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "lingering" like "stay," but slower and longer, not just being there but taking time to leave
- ✓Picture a soft smoke in the air that moves slowly and stays after the fire is out
- ✓It's the feeling when a smell or memory stays in your mind even after the moment is over
- ✓Sounds like "linger-ing" → imagine someone gently holding on, not letting go quickly
- ✓Remember when you say goodbye but don’t leave right away—you linger a bit longer to say more
- ✓NOT like "leave" (go away quickly), lingering means staying slowly and gently
- ✓NOT like "wait" (actively staying for something), lingering is more passive, just continuing to be
- ✓NOT like "stop" or "end," lingering means something continues after it should have stopped
Try Other Words
- •Remain: to stay in the same place or condition (Use when focus is on continuing without moving)
- •Persist: to continue existing over time (Use when emphasizing something that does not stop easily, often feelings or problems)
- •Delay: to make something happen later than planned (Use when focus is on slow action or waiting, less about staying in place)
- •Wait: to stay in one place until something happens (Use when there is an active reason to stay)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "linger" (to stay longer) + "-ing" (present participle suffix showing action or state)
- •Etymology: From Old English "lengan," meaning to delay or stay longer
- •Historical development: Used since Old English times to describe slow leaving or delay in action
- •Modern usage: Used as adjective or verb form to describe slow departure or lasting effects, often with feelings or smells
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of feelings or memories do you think can linger the longest in a person’s mind?
•Can lingering be good or bad? When might it be helpful to linger, and when might it be better to leave quickly?
Fill in the blanks
1.After the meeting, she was lingering ___ the room because she wanted to talk more.
2.The smell of fresh bread was lingering ___ the kitchen for hours.
3.Unlike a quick goodbye, a lingering farewell shows ___ you want to stay longer.
4.Sometimes, a lingering feeling of sadness can ___ even when things improve.
5.People often linger ___ a place when they feel comfortable or happy.
6.The taste of the spicy sauce lingered ___ my mouth, making me remember it well.
7.He didn’t leave immediately; instead, he was lingering ___ the door, unsure of what to do next.