linger
/ˈlɪŋɡər/
verb
- To stay in a place longer than necessary, often because you are enjoying yourself or do not want to leave.
- The tourists lingered on the beach to watch the sunset.
- She lingered at the bookstore, flipping through novels she couldn't afford.
- After the party ended, a few friends lingered in the kitchen to chat.
- To continue to exist or be noticeable for a long time, often slowly fading away.
- Doubts about his decision lingered in her mind for weeks.
- The pain from the injury lingered long after the fall.
- The smell of fresh bread lingered in the kitchen all morning.
- To take a long time to do something; to be slow or delay.
- He lingered over the email, unsure how to reply.
- Don't linger over your breakfast or we'll miss the bus.
- The committee lingered on the budget discussion for hours.