Standing Meaning
Standing Definition & Usage
The position or rank that someone holds in society or a particular context.
Examples
- "Her standing in the community is impeccable, with everyone respecting her opinions."
- "He quickly lost his standing in the company after the scandal broke."
- "Despite the challenges, her standing in the academic world remained strong."
- "The family's social standing improved when they moved into a more affluent neighborhood."
- "His standing as a leader was questioned after the failed project."
Refers to something that is not moving, or to a person who is upright on their feet.
Examples
- "She was standing in line for hours waiting for the concert to start."
- "He stood there, frozen, his mind racing as he tried to process the news."
- "The children were standing by the window, watching the snow fall outside."
- "She was standing at the bus stop when I saw her from the car."
- "After a long day of sitting, he enjoyed standing up to stretch his legs."
Refers to the length of time something or someone has been in a particular position or condition.
Examples
- "Their standing in the competition was influenced by years of hard work."
- "The building has been in a standing condition for over a century."
- "He is well-known for his standing as a pioneer in renewable energy."
- "Her standing in the rankings fluctuated based on her recent performances."
- "The company's standing in the market improved after the new product launch."
Cultural Context
The term 'standing' has its roots in Old English and was used to describe both the physical act of being upright as well as metaphorical positions of rank or reputation. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various meanings related to position, status, and duration in both physical and abstract contexts.
The Last Minute Stand
Story
The Last Minute Stand
It was the night before the big presentation, and Jessica stood at the window, staring out into the city. The lights twinkled below, but in her mind, everything was a blur. The weight of her standing at this pivotal moment in her career was overwhelming. She had worked for years, building her standing in the industry, but this was it. If she nailed this presentation, it could launch her into a new tier of success. But if she faltered, she might lose everything she had worked for. Across the room, her colleague Michael paced back and forth. His standing in the company was already solid, but he knew that if he could secure this deal, it would cement his place as a top-tier executive. He stopped, glancing at Jessica, who was still deep in thought. ‘Hey, Jess, you okay?’ Jessica turned toward him, a small smile forming on her lips. ‘Just thinking about how long it’s taken to get here. All the late nights, the sacrifices...’ Michael nodded, understanding. ‘I get it. We’re standing on the precipice of something big.’ Later that day, as the meeting began, both Jessica and Michael stood before the panel, each fighting for their moment. As they spoke, they each realized something important. It wasn’t just their standing in the company that mattered, but the integrity of their ideas, their ability to stand strong under pressure. The outcome would decide their futures—but for now, they could only stand firm and do their best. At the end of the meeting, the room erupted in applause. Michael’s standing as the top contender in the company was now unquestionable, but Jessica’s calm demeanor and clear thinking had earned her a new standing among her peers. She had passed the test of time and pressure. ‘Well done,’ Michael said, clapping her on the back. ‘You’ve earned your standing.’ In that moment, Jessica knew that no matter what happened next, her standing in the industry had changed forever.
Related Words
