stay
English meaning: Stay
Definition
To continue to be in a particular place or condition.
Example
“Please stay here while I go and check whether the store is still open.”
Another example: “Please stay calm and follow the instructions of the flight crew.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Everyday word for continuing in a place or state. As a verb of state it is followed by adjectives ('stay calm', 'stay healthy'). 'Stay in' means remain home; 'stay over' means spend the night. Also a noun ('a short stay'). Opposite of 'leave'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'estai-', stem of 'ester' (to stand), from Latin 'stare' (to stand).
Related Words
Common Collocations
- stay home
- stay calm
- stay in touch
- stay overnight
- stay focused
- stay the night
Word Forms
stay (v); stayed; stays; staying; stay (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B