Stand Meaning
Stand Definition & Usage
To be in an upright position on one's feet.
Examples
- "He stood in front of the class and gave his presentation."
- "The crowd stood in silence during the national anthem."
- "After a long day of sitting, she decided to stand up and stretch."
- "I could stand for hours at a concert, but my feet start to hurt after a while."
- "He stood tall, waiting for the decision to be made."
To resist or be in support of something, especially in the face of difficulty or opposition.
Examples
- "She stood against the injustice and spoke up for the oppressed."
- "They stood firm in their decision to protect the environment."
- "The company has always stood by its values of honesty and integrity."
- "I will stand by you no matter what happens."
- "He stood up for his rights even when others were afraid to do so."
To last for a period of time, often referring to how long something is valid or maintained.
Examples
- "The policy will stand for the next five years."
- "This painting has stood the test of time and remains a masterpiece."
- "The law still stands, even after all these years."
- "The agreement stands as is, with no further changes allowed."
- "Her reputation stood unchallenged for decades."
To be ranked in a certain position, especially in terms of success, performance, or score.
Examples
- "He stands at the top of his class in mathematics."
- "After the final round, she stood in second place."
- "The team stood strong, finishing the season undefeated."
- "They stand a good chance of winning the competition this year."
- "His company stands as one of the largest in the industry."
Used in a variety of idiomatic expressions, often to convey actions or emotional states.
Examples
- "Stand by for an important announcement."
- "I can't stand the noise any longer."
- "He stood up to his boss after years of mistreatment."
- "Don't stand in my way if you know what's good for you."
- "The argument really stood out in the meeting."
Cultural Context
The word 'stand' comes from Old English 'standan,' which originally referred to the act of remaining upright or in a fixed position. Over time, the word expanded to include metaphorical uses, such as standing for principles or enduring in difficult situations. The flexibility of this word has made it a versatile tool in both literal and figurative language.
The Stand That Changed Everything
Story
The Stand That Changed Everything
It was an unseasonably warm autumn morning when Eva decided to stand. She had never been particularly vocal about her opinions, but today, something felt different. Her small town, known for its quiet charm, had recently become the center of a heated debate about the local government’s decision to close the historic community center. Eva, a lifelong resident, couldn’t stand by while the place that held so many childhood memories was torn down. She knew it was time to stand up for what she believed in. As she stood on the steps of the town hall, looking at the crowd, she felt the weight of the moment. People were standing around her, some with signs, others just curious to see what would unfold. She had planned to make her voice heard, but now that the moment had come, she felt a mix of excitement and fear. Could she really stand up to the mayor, whose influence seemed unstoppable? The mayor arrived, flanked by a group of officials. Eva straightened up, feeling the strength of her resolve. She stood tall and walked forward, her heart pounding. 'I stand here today not just as a concerned citizen, but as someone who believes in the power of community,' she began. The crowd listened intently, and for the first time in a long while, they all stood together for something they truly cared about. As the speech came to an end, there was a moment of silence. Then, one by one, the people began to cheer. Eva stood at the center, overwhelmed by the support. It was clear that she had made an impact. The town would stand united in its fight to preserve the community center. She had stood firm, and it had made all the difference. Weeks later, as the local government reconsidered its decision, Eva received a call from the mayor’s office. 'We are willing to stand by our decision, but only if the community agrees.' It was a small victory, but one that proved that sometimes, standing up for what’s right can change everything.
Related Words
