linger

English

/ˈlɪŋɡɚ/, /ˈlɪŋɡə/

verb
Definitions
  • (intransitive) To stay or remain in a place or situation, especially as if unwilling to depart or not easily able to do so; to loiter.
  • (intransitive) To remain alive or existent although still proceeding toward death or extinction; to die gradually.
  • (intransitive) To consider or contemplate for a period of time; to engage in analytic thinking or discussion.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English lenger borrowed from Old Norse lengja (lengthen, long strap) inherited from Proto-Germanic *langijaną (make long).

Origin

Proto-Germanic

*langijaną

Gloss

make long

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms