lingering
/'lɳgəriɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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.