linger
Say it: LING-guh /ˈlɪŋɡɚ/ · verb
What “linger” means
Stay somewhere longer than expected, reluctant to leave.
More precisely: To stay somewhere longer than necessary, or to be slow to fade.
Example: “We lingered over dessert until the staff started stacking chairs.”
When to use it
For staying on after others leave, often because you enjoy the place. Neutral or warm everyday language, sometimes literary.
It can also mean
A smell, feeling or memory can linger by taking a long time to fade.
Similar words
remain, stay, tarry
Quick check
After the exhibition closes, you stay beside your favourite painting while everyone else heads towards the exit. What do you do?
loiter or linger?
Show the answer
linger
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