Lounge
LAWNJ
/laʊndʒ/
To lie, sit, or lean in a relaxed, lazy manner; as a noun, a comfortable sitting room or public waiting area.
Highlights complete bodily relaxation and deliberate indolence without immediate effort.
The story behind the word. Evolved from Middle French longis (a tall, slow-moving or lazy person), ultimately linked to Latin longus (long). The verb came to describe sprawling out at length in total relaxation.
Word relationships
- recline: Recline is a more formal physical description of leaning back, whereas lounge implies a relaxed state of mind and posture.
- loaf: Loaf focuses on wasting time productively or lazily, whereas lounge focuses on physical comfort and relaxed positioning.
- exert: Exerting oneself involves strenuous physical effort, opposite to lounging.
Commonly confused with
- lingere: Linger means staying in a place longer than necessary, while lounge means relaxing physically.
Word family
- lounger (noun): a comfortable reclining chair or person lounging
- loungewear (noun): casual clothes designed for relaxing at home
Collocations
- lounge by the pool
- lounge around
- airport lounge
- lounge chair
Example sentences
- "Guests loved to lounge on cushioned recliners beside the infinity pool with cold fruit drinks." Resort lifestyle
- "We waited for our delayed flight inside the quiet executive lounge." Airport travel
Memory hook
Stretch out LONG (longus) when you LOUNGE. Sprawl out long and relax.
When not to use
Do not use to describe sitting in an upright, formal posture during a business meeting.
Fun facts
- The chaise longue (often misspelled 'chaise lounge') is French for 'long chair', designed specifically for lounging.
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