linger
UK[ˈlɪŋɡə(r)]US[ˈlɪŋɡər]
v
To stay somewhere for a longer time than usual or necessary, often because you are reluctant to leave.
v
To continue to exist for a long time, although gradually becoming weaker.
Etymology
The verb 'linger' entered Middle English as lengeren, meaning "to dwell, remain," from Old English lengan which meant "to prolong, lengthen." This Old English verb is derived from the adjective lang, meaning "long." The core semantic logic is one of temporal extension: to make something long, and by extension, to remain for a long time. Over centuries, the meaning specialized from the general act of prolonging to the more specific and evocative sense of staying behind reluctantly or fading slowly, capturing the feeling of delayed departure or gradual disappearance.
Analysis
The word 'linger' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It is not productively formed from separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The smell of coffee lingered in the kitchen long after breakfast was over.
He lingered at the door, hoping for one last glimpse of her.
Doubts about the decision lingered in her mind for weeks.