linger
14 synonyms and 1 antonym for linger, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To stay in a place longer than necessary, often reluctant to leave.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use linger
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
linger over
a lingering doubt
lingering smell
Etymology
From Old English lengan ("to lengthen, prolong"), related to the word long — to linger is, at root, to make a stay "longer."
Full origin of linger →Frequently asked questions
What does “linger” mean?
The word “linger” means to stay in a place longer than necessary, often reluctant to leave. In plain terms, to stay somewhere, or persist, longer than you strictly need to.
How do you pronounce “linger”?
“Linger” is pronounced LIHNG-guh (/ˈlɪŋɡɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “linger” in a sentence?
Here is “linger” used in a sentence: “We lingered over coffee long after the meal was finished.”
What part of speech is “linger”?
“Linger” is a verb.
Where does the word “linger” come from?
The word “linger” comes from Old English. From Old English lengan ("to lengthen, prolong"), related to the word long — to linger is, at root, to make a stay "longer.".
Is “linger” a common word?
“Linger” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “linger” have?
“Linger” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to stay in a place longer than necessary, often reluctant to leave.
