lingering
UK: ˈlɪŋɡərɪŋ | US: ˈlɪŋɡərɪŋ
adj. lasting for a long time or slow to end
v. (present participle of "linger") to stay in a place longer than necessary, often due to reluctance to leave
The word "linger" originates from Middle English lingeren, meaning "to dwell, delay," likely derived from Old English lengan ("to prolong") or influenced by Old Norse lengja ("to lengthen"). The core idea revolves around prolonging time or delaying departure. The suffix "-ing" transforms it into an adjective or present participle, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the action. The morpheme "linger" itself is non-splittable in modern English, as its Old English/Norse roots are no longer transparent in the current spelling.
The lingering scent of coffee filled the room long after breakfast.
She gave him a lingering glance before turning away.
His cold symptoms were lingering despite medication.
Tourists lingered in the square, enjoying the evening lights.
A sense of doubt lingered in her mind after the decision.