Meaning of linger in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈlɪŋɡər/

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   linger

   Etymology

   Middle English (in the sense ‘dwell, abide’): frequentative of obsolete leng ‘prolong’, of Germanic origin; related to German längen‘make long(er)’, also to long

   Definitions

   1. remain present although waning or gradually dying

   Examples

   • « Her perfume lingered on »
2. 2. be about

   Examples

   • « The high school students like to loiter in the Central Square »
   • « Who is this man that is hanging around the department? »
3. 3. leave slowly and hesitantly
4. 4. take one's time

   Examples

   • « proceed slowly »

   Antonyms

   • rush
   • hotfoot
   • hasten
   • hie
   • speed
   • race
   • pelt along
   • rush along
   • cannonball along
   • bucket along
   • belt along
5. 5. move to and fro

   Examples

   • « The shy student lingered in the corner »