linger
word
Definition
To stay in a place or situation for longer than expected, or for something (like a feeling or smell) to last longer than usual.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in literary or descriptive writing. Common collocations: 'linger in the air' (scent or smoke), 'linger on' (continue), 'linger over' (stay longer doing something). Implies slowness or reluctance to leave.
Spanish: permanecer - quedarse - perdurarPortuguese (BR): demorar-se - permanecer - perdurarPortuguese (PT): demorar-se - permanecer - perdurarChinese (Simplified): 逗留 - 徘徊 - 持续存在Chinese (Traditional): 逗留 - 徘徊 - 持續存在Hindi: टिके रहना - देर तक रहनाArabic: يبقى طويلاً - يتباطأ - يدومBengali: থাকতে থাকা - বিলম্ব করাRussian: задерживаться - держаться (о чувстве, запахе)Japanese: 残る - ぐずぐずするVietnamese: kéo dài - nán lạiKorean: 머물다 - 오래 남다Turkish: oyalanmak - kalmakUrdu: ٹھہرنا - باقی رہناIndonesian: lưu lại - kéo dài
Example Sentences
The smell of coffee lingered in the kitchen.
basic
She lingered at the door before leaving.
basic
The memory of the day lingered in his mind.
basic
The sadness lingered long after the movie ended.
natural
He likes to linger over breakfast and read the news.
natural
The feeling of excitement lingered as she walked home.
natural