Stayed in a place longer than necessary, or remained reluctantly; took time doing something without hurrying.
From Old English 'lengan' (to prolong) related to 'long,' possibly influenced by Dutch 'lingeren.' The idea is stretching time.
There's a beautiful melancholy to 'lingered'—it suggests staying because you can't bear to leave, not just staying. It's used for heartbreak, memories, and sunsets, making it one of English's saddest verbs.
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