VocabularyFast
linger in the wild
Real-life situations where you can use this word
Sarah had just visited her grandmother, who always wore a distinctive floral perfume. They sat together in the cozy living room, sipping tea and reminiscing about old times. As Sarah got up to leave, her grandmother gave her a warm hug, and the comforting aroma clung to Sarah's clothes and hair.
Even after she left, the lingering scent of her perfume filled the small room.
The word 'linger' perfectly describes a scent that remains for a long time after its source is gone.
The championship game had been incredibly close, with the winning point scored in the final seconds. The coach, Mark, watched the replay on his tablet, scrutinizing the controversial foul that led to the winning shot. While his players celebrated, a knot of uncertainty about the game's fairness persisted.
Despite the team's victory, a lingering doubt about the referee's final call remained with the coach.
'Linger' effectively conveys the idea of a doubt or uncertainty that stays with someone and is difficult to shake off.
John had been battling a nasty flu for over a week. The worst symptoms, like the high fever and aches, had subsided, but he still felt utterly drained and lacked energy. He looked out the window, wishing he could join his friends for their planned hike, but his body wasn't ready yet.
He'd hoped the fever would break by morning, but the lingering weakness kept him in bed.
This scenario uses 'lingering' to describe an illness or its effects that persist for a prolonged period.
David's ex-girlfriend had recently posted new photos from her vacation. His friend, Mike, walked into the living room to find David hunched over his phone, scrolling through the pictures repeatedly. Mike knew David was trying to move on, but he was clearly stuck in a cycle of checking her updates.
Stop lingering on her profile; it's been three hours and you're only making yourself sadder.
'Linger' fits here to describe someone spending an excessive amount of time on something, often to their detriment.
Maria and Carlos were on their last day of a European vacation. They had spent a whirlwind week exploring ancient ruins and bustling markets, but as their departure time neared, they found themselves wanting to savor the remaining moments. They sat at an outdoor cafe, soaking in the atmosphere of the vibrant plaza.
We have a flight tonight, but I wish we could linger here a little longer; this city is amazing.
The word 'linger' is used to express a desire to stay in a place or situation longer than necessary.