Lingers

To linger means to remain or stay in a place longer than is usual or expected, often with a reluctance to leave. It can also describe something that persists or continues to exist for an extended period, such as a memory, feeling, or smell. The term suggests a slower pace, a sense of reluctance, and a potential for drawn-out experiences or impressions. The duration of lingering can vary greatly, from a few extra moments to an extended period of time, influencing the overall context and meaning. The implications are often associated with emotional states, such as nostalgia, sadness, or anticipation, influencing the meaning and depth of the experience. It implies a continued presence, whether physical or intangible, adding depth and character to the subject.

Lingers meaning with examples

• After the concert ended, the audience lingered outside the venue, reluctant to break the spell of the music and the shared experience. The warmth of the atmosphere and the anticipation for the band's return made them linger. The night was young, and the memory of the performance would linger with them. They were enjoying this communal feeling and did not want to go home, content to linger a while longer.
• The scent of freshly baked bread from the bakery across the street lingered in the air throughout the entire neighborhood all morning. Its sweet, inviting aroma created a pleasant environment, teasing residents of all ages. This sensory detail allowed for a deep, nostalgic effect, triggering memories of childhood and warmth within the heart of each and every one of the people present.
• The old photograph on the mantelpiece helped his memory linger on the family holidays that were taken many years prior. The grainy texture and faded colors held him captive, replaying countless cherished moments. He found himself deeply engrossed in these memories, reluctant to remove his gaze, feeling comforted and a sense of joy and contentment at all times while pondering.
• Despite the difficult breakup, a feeling of bittersweetness lingered, a testament to the many good times. The love they shared, the laughter, the shared dreams now only existed in memory, but it still lingered. The pain was subsiding, but the echoes of their shared history remained, intertwining grief with a faint glow of fondness. The lingering memory did not leave as fast as it began.