linger
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈlɪŋɡər/
KK: /ˈlɪŋɡər/
intransitive verb
Definition
To stay in a place longer than necessary, often because you are reluctant to leave.
Example
She decided to linger at the café, enjoying her coffee and the view.
Tense Forms
Past: lingered
Past Participle: lingered
Conversation
I love how the coffee shop has a cozy vibe that makes you linger a bit longer.
Totally! I could spend hours there just enjoying the atmosphere.
Yeah, it's hard to leave when you feel so relaxed.
Exactly! I always end up lingering over my book.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tarry
stay
loiter
Antonyms
hasten
depart
leave
transitive verb
Definition
To stay in a place longer than necessary, often because of reluctance to leave.
Example
She decided to linger at the café, enjoying her coffee and the view.
Tense Forms
Past: lingered
Past Participle: lingered
Conversation
I love to linger at the café on weekends.
Really? What do you do there?
I just enjoy my coffee and people-watch for a while.
Root Explanation
Linger → It originates from Middle English 'lingeren', which is derived from the Old English 'lengan' (meaning to prolong or delay). The word describes the act of staying in a place longer than necessary or delaying departure.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone who is 'prolonging' their stay — that's why to linger means to stay longer than needed.
Visually Confused Words
slinger
flinger
clinger
liner
inger
malinger
balinger
winger