Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Lasting for a long time, especially longer than expected or desired: "lingering" describes something that persists, endures, or remains present for an extended duration.
   • Slow to disappear or end: It can describe something that fades away very gradually or slowly.
   • Remaining present although not strong or direct: It can describe a faint, weak, or residual presence of a feeling, impression, or condition.

2. Noun:

   • The act of staying in a place longer than necessary, typically out of reluctance to leave: "lingering" refers to the action of tarrying or dawdling.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:

  • She had a lingering cough for weeks after the flu. (The cough lasted for a long time.)
  • A lingering smell of coffee filled the kitchen. (The smell remained present for a while.)
  • He felt a lingering sense of doubt about his decision. (A faint but persistent feeling of doubt remained.)

• Noun:

  • His lingering at the door made it clear he didn't want to go. (His act of staying at the door showed his reluctance.)
  • We have no time for lingering; we must leave now. (We do not have time to delay.)

Advanced Usage

• "Lingering look/glance": A look that continues for a moment longer than usual, often suggesting a particular emotion like affection, curiosity, or suspicion.

  • She gave him a lingering glance before turning away.

• "Lingering effects": The remaining consequences or impacts of something that happened in the past.

  • The country is still dealing with the lingering effects of the economic crisis.

Variants and Related Words

• Linger (verb): To stay in a place longer than necessary, often because of a reluctance to leave; or to be slow to disappear or die.

  • The guests lingered after the party ended.
  • The pain lingered for months.

• Lingeringly (adverb): In a lingering manner.

  • He smiled lingeringly.

Synonyms

• Persistent: Continuing firmly or obstinately.
• Enduring: Lasting over a long period.
• Remaining: Still present; left over.
• Protracted: Lasting for a long time or longer than expected.

Antonyms

• Fleeting: Lasting for a very short time.
• Brief: Of short duration.
• Transient: Lasting only for a short time; impermanent.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Linger on: To continue to exist, be discussed, or be remembered for a long time. (This is a phrasal verb using the base form "linger").

  • The memory of that day lingered on in his mind for years.

• Linger over: To spend a long time doing something, especially in a slow, relaxed, or enjoyable way. (This is a phrasal verb using the base form "linger").

  • They lingered over their coffee and conversation.

Noun

1. the act of tarrying