lingering worry

[ˈlɪŋɡərɪŋ ˈwɜri]
noun phrasefemininepl: lingering worries / preocupações persistentes
preocupação persistente
1. A concern or anxiety that continues to exist over time without being fully resolved or dismissed
Despite the doctor's reassurance, she still had a lingering worry about her health.
Apesar da garantia do médico, ela ainda tinha uma preocupação persistente sobre sua saúde.
2. An ongoing sense of unease or apprehension that remains in the background of one's thoughts
He couldn't shake the lingering worry that something was wrong with the contract.
Ele não conseguia se livrar da preocupação persistente de que algo estava errado com o contrato.
The concept of 'lingering worry' reflects universal human experience but is particularly discussed in mental health contexts in both American and Brazilian cultures. In Brazil, discussing preocupações persistentes is common in everyday conversation and is often attributed to life's uncertainties. Americans tend to medicalize or therapeutically address lingering worries through counseling. Both cultures recognize the difference between momentary concern and persistent anxiety that affects daily life.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
persistent concernnagging anxietyenduring apprehensiongnawing doubtsustained unease
Antonyms / Antônimos
peace of mindcertaintyassuranceconfidencetranquility

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
preocupação persistente
Most common usage in standard Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
preocupação que não sai da cabeça
More colloquial, literally 'worry that won't leave your head'
São Paulo
angústia persistente
Emphasizes the emotional weight of the worry
Portugal
preocupação latente
Portuguese variation, sometimes uses 'inquietação duradoura'

Related Words

anxietyapprehensionconcernpreoccupationunease

Related Idioms & Phrases

a weight on one's mind
can't shake the feeling
something's eating at me
in the back of my mind
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