stand
stand — verb
1. to keep your body straight with your weight on your feet, not sitting or lying d
to keep your body straight with your weight on your feet, not sitting or lying down; or to place something so that it stays up on its bottom end
Adaeze stood at the window, watching the rain fall on the empty street below.
stand + at [location] for physical position
The doctor asked Hyun to stand on the scale so she could check his weight.
Shirin stood her umbrella against the wall near the front door.
transitive: stand + object + against/preposition
An old wooden clock stands in the hallway, ticking loudly every hour.
The children stood in a circle around the teacher, waiting for story time.
stand + in + group noun for arrangement
- stand up
- stand still
- stand straight
- stand on tiptoe
- stand in line
- rise
more formal; specifically moving from sitting or lying to standing
- get up
informal; moving from a rest position to standing
- be on one's feet
describes the state of standing, not the action
Grammar Patterns
stand + adverb/preposition (intransitive)
stand + object + adverb/preposition (transitive)
Usage Note
When used transitively (stand + object), the object is placed upright on its base: 'She stood the book on the shelf.' This differs from 'set' or 'put,' which do not imply an upright position.
Common Mistakes
2. the state you are in or the situation you find yourself in — someone stands read
the state you are in or the situation you find yourself in — someone stands ready to act, an accused person stands before a judge, or a previous offer continues to be available
The old theatre has stood empty for nearly ten years since it closed.
stand + adjective for current condition
As matters stand right now, we do not have enough money to buy the house.
fixed expression: as matters stand / as it stands
Élise said her offer to give us a ride to the airport still stands.
stand used for offer or decision remaining valid
The company stands to lose a great deal of money if the deal fails.
stand to + infinitive for likely outcome
Caio stands accused of taking money from the office fund without permission.
- stand empty
- stand ready
- stand firm
- stand alone
- stand accused
- stand to lose
- stand to gain
- as things stand
- change
to move out of the current state
Grammar Patterns
stand + adjective
stand to + infinitive
as things stand
Usage Note
Commonly paired with adjectives describing the current condition (stand empty, stand ready, stand firm, stand accused). The fixed expressions 'as things stand' and 'as it stands' mean 'in the current situation.'
Common Mistakes
3. to appear before a court of law so that a judge or jury can decide whether you a
to appear before a court of law so that a judge or jury can decide whether you are guilty of a crime
The former bank manager will stand trial for fraud next month.
stand trial + for + crime
Nadia is expected to stand trial at the district court in September.
The suspect stood trial for stealing rare paintings from the city museum.
stand trial for + stealing / theft / crime type
Defne stood trial for her part in the company's financial scandal last year.
- stand trial
- stand trial for murder
- stand trial for fraud
- stand trial at court
- be tried
passive construction with same meaning
- face trial
slightly more dramatic tone
Grammar Patterns
stand trial + for + crime
stand trial + at + court
Usage Note
Always used in the fixed phrase 'stand trial' followed by 'for' + the crime. The subject is the person accused of the crime. Not used for civil lawsuits.
Common Mistakes
4. to stay in a given location; or to set something down at a chosen spot
to stay in a given location; or to set something down at a chosen spot
A beautiful old stone church stands at the top of the hill near the river.
stand + at [location] for permanent position
The full glass of water stood on the table all afternoon.
Christopher stood the heavy mirror against the wall while he found the right hook.
transitive: stand + object + against [surface]
The new hospital stands on the land where the old car factory used to be.
- stand on
- stand in
- stand against
- stand at
- stand by
- stand near
- be located
more formal; emphasizes position on a map or site
- sit
informal; often used for buildings or objects resting somewhere
- rest
emphasizes the object is supported by something
Grammar Patterns
stand + adverb/preposition (intransitive)
stand + object + adverb/preposition (transitive)
Usage Note
Unlike sense 1 (VERTICAL), this sense focuses on location rather than upright posture. The subject can be a building, a piece of furniture, or any object in a particular spot, whether upright or not.
Common Mistakes
❌ 'The vase stood on the floor.' (used for a vase is fine) — This sense works for objects in a location. Be careful not to confuse with sense 1: sense 1 (VERTICAL) is about being on your feet, while sense 4 (PLACE) is about location.
5. if a vehicle stands somewhere, it stays in that place for a period of time, espe
if a vehicle stands somewhere, it stays in that place for a period of time, especially while waiting for passengers or goods
The train stood at the platform for twenty minutes before the doors opened.
vehicle + stand + at [location] for waiting period
Several black taxis stood outside the hotel, waiting for passengers to arrive.
The delivery truck stood in the loading bay while the workers unloaded the boxes.
A long line of cars stood at the traffic light, waiting for the signal to change.
vehicle + stand + at [signal point] stopped temporarily
- stand at
- stand outside
- stand in
- stand on the platform
- stand in the bay
- move
to be in motion, opposite of standing still
Grammar Patterns
vehicle + stand + at/in/outside [location]
Usage Note
Common in British English. In American English, 'parked' or 'waiting' is more often used for non-moving vehicles.
Common Mistakes
6. shown on traffic signs to indicate that stopping or parking is forbidden at that
shown on traffic signs to indicate that stopping or parking is forbidden at that location, even briefly
The red sign at the corner says 'No standing' in large white letters.
sign reading: No standing
The driver received a ticket for standing in a zone clearly marked 'No standing.'
A sign reading 'No standing anytime' is posted along the front of the building.
sign variation: No standing anytime
Tamar was surprised to see a 'No standing' sign near the shopping centre.
- no standing
- no standing zone
- no standing anytime
- no standing sign
- parking allowed
opposite traffic regulation
Grammar Patterns
No standing (on signs)
Usage Note
This meaning only appears on traffic signs and in driving regulations. 'No standing' is stricter than 'no parking' — it means a vehicle cannot stop at all, even briefly, except in an emergency.
Common Mistakes
7. to be able to tolerate or bear an unpleasant person, thing, or situation, especi
to be able to tolerate or bear an unpleasant person, thing, or situation, especially when you dislike it strongly and would prefer to avoid it
Sirin cannot stand the smell of cigarette smoke inside her own flat.
stand + noun phrase for disliked thing
The old wooden bridge could not stand the force of the rushing floodwater.
stand + noun phrase: physical tolerance
How do you stand working in such a noisy open-plan office every day?
stand + -ing verb in questions
Layla could hardly stand the toothache any longer and called the dentist.
- cannot stand something
- can't stand the sight of
- could not stand the pain
- enjoy
opposite in the sense of willingly experiencing something
Grammar Patterns
cannot stand + noun phrase
cannot stand + -ing verb
can/could stand + noun phrase
Usage Note
Most common in negative constructions with cannot/can't or could not/couldn't. In affirmative sentences, usually paired with can or could to express the limit of tolerance.
Common Mistakes
8. to put yourself forward as someone voters can choose for a public role in an ele
to put yourself forward as someone voters can choose for a public role in an election
Aarav decided to stand for the local council after years of volunteering in the community.
stand for [position/office]
More women are standing in this year's local election than ever before.
stand in [election]
Christopher stood as an independent candidate in the 2023 city council election.
stand as [candidate type]
The mayor announced that she would not stand for re-election due to her family's needs.
stand for re-election
- stand for Parliament
- stand for election
- stand as a candidate
- stand in a constituency
Grammar Patterns
stand for [position/office]
stand in [election/constituency]
stand as [candidate type]
Usage Note
Primarily used in British English. In American English, run for is much more common. The noun candidate is the person, while stand describes the action of being available for election.
Common Mistakes
9. to have a possibility of achieving or succeeding at something, often used when t
to have a possibility of achieving or succeeding at something, often used when talking about whether success is likely or unlikely
Without proper training, the team does not stand a chance of winning the championship.
stand a chance of [doing] — negative
Reuben stands a good chance of being accepted into the engineering programme.
stand a good chance of [doing] — positive
Do you think our proposal stands a fair chance of board approval?
A small business without enough funding does not stand a chance against large corporations.
does not stand a chance against [competitor]
- stand a chance of
- stand a good chance
- stand a slim chance
- not stand a chance
Grammar Patterns
stand a chance of [doing something]
stand a good/fair/slim chance
Usage Note
Almost always used in the fixed expression 'stand a chance' with an adjective (good, fair, slim, no) and usually followed by 'of + -ing' or 'of + noun'. Most common in negative statements.
Common Mistakes
10. to reach a specific measurement when you say how tall someone or something is
to reach a specific measurement when you say how tall someone or something is
The new office building stands 120 metres tall in the centre of the city.
stand + measurement + tall
Kenji's younger brother now stands almost as tall as their father.
The ancient oak tree in the village square stands over thirty metres high.
stand + measurement + high
At just eleven years old, Mira already stands five feet tall.
stand + [age] + measurement: describing person's height
- stand tall
- stand high
- stand metres/feet tall
- stand at
Grammar Patterns
stand + [number] + [unit] + tall
stand + [number] + [unit] + in height
stand + [adjective describing height]
Usage Note
Functions as a linking verb (copula) like 'be' but specifically for height. The pattern is 'stand + measurement + tall/high.' For people, use 'tall'; for buildings and trees, both 'tall' and 'high' are possible.
Common Mistakes
11. to pay for something, usually a drink or a meal, as a treat or gift for someone
to pay for something, usually a drink or a meal, as a treat or gift for someone
After winning the competition, Hassan stood everyone a round of drinks at the bar.
stand + someone + a drink
Selim said he would stand me dinner if I helped him move house.
Let me stand you a coffee — you look like you need a break.
stand someone [something]: offer expression
The company stood all the employees lunch to celebrate the successful product launch.
- stand someone a drink
- stand someone dinner
- stand someone a meal
- stand a round
Grammar Patterns
stand + someone + a drink/meal
stand + someone + something
Usage Note
Informal and chiefly British. The pattern takes two objects: the person receiving (indirect object) and the thing bought (direct object). No preposition is needed between the two objects.
Common Mistakes
12. to hold a specific view about an issue, especially when this view is publicly kn
to hold a specific view about an issue, especially when this view is publicly known or stated
Where does your political party stand on the issue of renewable energy?
stand on [issue] — asking about position
Élise stands firmly against the use of single-use plastic bags in grocery stores.
The senator made it very clear where he stands on tax reform during the debate.
where someone stands on [matter]
Most teachers in the school stand with the parents on the question of school uniforms.
stand with [someone] on [issue]
- stand on an issue
- stand against something
- stand with someone
- stand firmly/strongly
Grammar Patterns
stand on [issue/matter]
stand with/against [someone/something]
stand + adverb (firmly, strongly)
Usage Note
Typically used with an adverb (firmly, strongly, clearly) or a prepositional phrase (on, with, against, for). The question 'Where do you stand on...?' is a fixed expression for asking someone's opinion.
Common Mistakes
13. in the card game blackjack, to choose to keep the cards you already hold and not
in the card game blackjack, to choose to keep the cards you already hold and not ask the dealer for any more
Vinícius looked at his hand and decided to stand, keeping his total at seventeen.
The dealer asked if Xiu wanted another card, but she chose to stand with nineteen.
stand with [point total] — states score at decision point
A common blackjack tip is to stand when your hand shows seventeen or higher.
strategy: stand when hand ≥ 17
Erik tapped the table to signal that he was standing and refused the next card.
If Maeve had chosen to hit instead of standing, she would have lost that round.
contrast: hit vs. stand
- stand on [number]
- stand with [total]
- decide to stand
- choose to stand
- signal to stand
Grammar Patterns
stand (in blackjack)
stand on [number]
Usage Note
Only used in the context of blackjack (also called 21). Players signal 'stand' by waving a hand over their cards or tapping the table. The opposite action is 'hit' (asking for another card).
Common Mistakes
stand apart from
phrasal verbTo be noticeably different or separate from something or someone.
Her artistic style stands apart from traditional painting methods.
Why does this theory stand apart from others in the field?
stand aside
phrasal verbTo move to one side or withdraw from a situation to let someone else take over.
The old manager decided to stand aside for a younger leader.
Please stand aside so the ambulance can pass through.
stand back
phrasal verbTo move away from something, often for safety or to get a better view.
The firefighters told everyone to stand back from the burning building.
Stand back and look at the painting from a distance.
stand between and
phrasal verbTo be an obstacle or barrier that prevents two things from happening or coming together.
Only a lack of funding stands between us and a new park.
What stands between you and your dream job?
stand by
phrasal verbTo be ready to act or to support someone in a difficult situation.
The rescue team will stand by until the storm passes.
I will always stand by my friends no matter what.
stand down
phrasal verbTo leave a position of authority or to withdraw from a competition or situation.
The general ordered the troops to stand down after the ceasefire.
After the scandal, the CEO decided to stand down.
stand for
phrasal verbTo represent or mean something, or to support a particular idea or principle.
The letters UN stand for United Nations.
Our company stands for honesty and quality service.
stand in
phrasal verbTo take someone's place or perform their duties temporarily.
Can you stand in for me at the meeting tomorrow?
A substitute teacher will stand in while Mrs. Lee is sick.
stand out
phrasal verbTo be very noticeable or much better than other similar things or people.
Her bright red dress made her stand out in the crowd.
Which candidate stands out as the most qualified?
stand over
phrasal verbTo watch someone closely while they work, often to make sure they do it correctly.
My boss stood over me while I finished the report.
Don't stand over me; I can do this myself.
stand up
phrasal verbTo rise to a standing position from sitting or lying down.
Everyone stood up when the principal entered the room.
Please stand up and introduce yourself.
stand up for
phrasal verbTo defend or support someone or something that is being attacked or criticized.
She always stands up for her younger brother at school.
We must stand up for our rights as citizens.
stand up to
phrasal verbTo resist or confront someone or something that is powerful or intimidating.
The small company stood up to the giant corporation in court.
It takes courage to stand up to a bully.
stand — noun
1. a set of raised rows of seats built inside a sports ground or stadium, where spe
a set of raised rows of seats built inside a sports ground or stadium, where spectators sit or stand to watch a game, race, or other event.
The crowd cheered loudly from the stands as Hoa scored the winning goal.
collocation: from the stands
Fans in the north stand sang songs throughout the entire football match.
collocation: in the [direction] stand
The old wooden stand was replaced with a modern concrete structure last year.
The Ortega family watched the race from the east stand at the stadium.
Rain forced spectators under the roof of the covered stand until the game resumed.
adjective + stand: covered stand
- in the stands
- from the stands
- north/south/east/west stand
- covered stand
- open stand
- the stands
- bleachers
US term for uncovered, stepped rows of seats, usually cheaper; 'stands' may have a roof and is more common in UK English
- grandstand
the main, largest seating area in a stadium, often with a roof and the best views
Grammar Patterns
the stands
in the stands
from the stands
Usage Note
Often used in the plural form 'the stands' to refer to the whole seating area collectively. The singular form (e.g., 'north stand', 'east stand') names a specific section.
Common Mistakes
2. the group of people watching a game or event from the raised seating area of a s
the group of people watching a game or event from the raised seating area of a sports ground, considered as one body.
The whole stand rose when the home team scored in the final minute.
collective noun: the stand + singular verb
A loud groan went through the visiting stand after the striker missed an open goal.
The away stand remained silent for most of the second half of the match.
adjective + stand: away/home stand
The announcer thanked the stand for its enthusiastic support throughout the game.
- the whole stand
- the home stand
- the away stand
- the stand cheered/roared/silenced
- crowd
broader term for any gathering of people; does not specifically refer to those in the stands
- spectators
direct synonym but is plural and not tied to a seated section
Grammar Patterns
the + stand + singular verb
Usage Note
Used as a collective noun for the spectators in a particular section. The verb is usually singular: 'the stand was quiet.' Distinguish from sense 1 (SPORT), which refers to the physical structure rather than the people in it.
Common Mistakes
3. a person's clearly stated position or view about a particular issue, especially
a person's clearly stated position or view about a particular issue, especially one they express in public and are willing to defend.
The mayor made her stand on public transport clear during the town hall meeting.
verb + stand on + topic
Cole decided to take a firm stand against the proposed cuts to the library budget.
take a firm stand against + noun
Isabela's stand on renewable energy earned her respect from voters on both sides.
Voters want to know each candidate's stand on health care before the election.
The union took a strong stand for better working conditions during contract talks.
take a stand for + cause
- take a stand (on)
- make a stand (against/for)
- firm/strong stand
- public stand
- political stand
- someone's stand on
Grammar Patterns
take/ make a stand (on/against/for something)
someone's stand on something
Usage Note
Often used with the verbs 'take' or 'make' to express that someone actively defends their view. The preposition 'on' introduces the topic; 'against' or 'for' signals the direction of the position.
Common Mistakes
4. the raised area in a courtroom where a witness sits or stands to give evidence u
the raised area in a courtroom where a witness sits or stands to give evidence under oath during a trial.
The witness walked slowly to the stand and placed her hand on the Bible.
collocation: to the stand
The judge asked the defendant if he wished to take the stand in his own defence.
fixed phrase: take the stand
After three hours of questioning, the lawyer finally allowed the witness to leave the stand.
The jury watched closely as the forensic expert took the stand to explain the DNA results.
- take the stand
- the witness stand
- on the stand
- step down from the stand
- call to the stand
- witness box
UK term for the same thing; 'witness stand' is more common in US English
Grammar Patterns
take the stand
the witness stand
on the stand
step down from the stand
Usage Note
Almost always used with the definite article: 'the stand.' The fixed expression 'take the stand' means to begin giving testimony in court.
Common Mistakes
5. a small booth or kiosk, often open at the front, where goods are sold or informa
a small booth or kiosk, often open at the front, where goods are sold or information is provided, typically set up at a market, fair, exhibition, or in a public building.
Nala bought a bag of fresh apples from a fruit stand at the weekly farmers' market.
collocation: fruit stand
The charity set up an information stand in the shopping centre to recruit volunteers.
collocation: information stand
A hot dog stand outside the train station sells sausages and drinks every weekday.
collocation: hot dog stand
Felipe stopped at a souvenir stand to buy postcards of the old city during his trip.
- fruit stand
- hot dog stand
- news stand
- information stand
- souvenir stand
- market stand
Grammar Patterns
[type of goods] + stand
stand + at/in/outside [location]
Usage Note
A 'stand' for selling is smaller and less permanent than a 'shop' or 'store.' It is often mobile or temporary, and may consist of just a table or a small structure.
Common Mistakes
6. a piece of furniture or a holder designed to keep objects upright or within easy
a piece of furniture or a holder designed to keep objects upright or within easy reach, such as a coat stand, music stand, or umbrella stand.
Zayd hung his coat on the wooden stand by the front door before entering the house.
collocation: coat stand
The music stand held her sheet music at the perfect height during the piano recital.
collocation: music stand
Iris placed the wet umbrella in the stand to let it drip dry after the storm passed.
collocation: umbrella stand
A wooden stand in the corner of the living room supports a large vase of fresh flowers.
- coat stand
- music stand
- umbrella stand
- hat stand
- lamp stand
- display stand
Grammar Patterns
[noun] + stand
stand for + [object]
Usage Note
The specific type of object is usually indicated by a preceding noun (coat stand, music stand, umbrella stand, lamp stand). Without a modifier, the meaning can be unclear — context is essential.
Common Mistakes
7. a firm public decision to resist or oppose something, often made to defend a pri
a firm public decision to resist or oppose something, often made to defend a principle, belief, or person that is under threat.
Lucía took a firm stand against the new policy cutting school music programs.
took a stand against [something]
The city council made a stand on affordable housing after months of debate.
made a stand on [issue]
Christopher's decision to speak up was the strongest stand anyone had taken at the meeting.
Many parents praised Rachid for his stand against unfair grading practices at the school.
stand against [something]
The last stand of the soldiers at the bridge became a famous story of courage.
the last stand — final act of resistance
- take a stand
- make a stand
- firm stand
- strong stand
- public stand
- stand against
- stand on
- last stand
- moral stand
- political stand
- resistance
broader, less public; can be passive or active
- opposition
more neutral; does not necessarily imply a public declaration
- defiance
stronger emotional tone; suggests open disobedience
- surrender
giving up resistance entirely
- submission
accepting the opposing position without fight
Grammar Patterns
take/make a stand + against/on
a stand + against/on
Usage Note
Often paired with take or make. A stand can be against something (opposing it) or on something (stating a position). Last stand refers to a final, often desperate, act of resistance.
Common Mistakes
8. a series of performances given by a musician, singer, or theatre group at the sa
a series of performances given by a musician, singer, or theatre group at the same place over a period of time.
Élise had a two-week stand at the Edinburgh theatre that sold out every night.
had a [time-period] stand at [venue]
The band extended their stand in Chicago by three nights due to popular demand.
extended their stand in [city]
Kenji's stand at the jazz club was his first major performance outside Japan.
The theatre company finished a successful stand in Boston and moved on to New York.
finished a successful stand in [city]
Evelyn's four-night stand at the concert hall included songs from her new album.
[number]-night stand at [venue]
- one-night stand
- two-week stand
- extended stand
- sold-out stand
- successful stand
- stand in [city]
- stand at [venue]
- finish a stand
- begin a stand
- run
more common in theatre; a run can be longer or open-ended
- engagement
more formal; widely used in both music and theatre
- residency
a longer, often exclusive, commitment to one venue
Grammar Patterns
a stand + at [venue]
[number]-night/stand
Usage Note
Common in the performing arts industry. Often modified by a number + night/week (e.g., a three-night stand) or a location (a stand in Las Vegas). Not used for a single performance.
Common Mistakes
9. trees, shrubs, or other plants that grow close together in a single area, often
trees, shrubs, or other plants that grow close together in a single area, often sharing the same species or age.
Ishaan walked through a dense stand of pine trees near the lake.
stand of [tree type]
A small stand of oak trees provided shade for the picnic area.
The forest ranger marked the old stand of birch for conservation.
old stand of [tree type]
Wildflowers grew thickly beneath the tall stand of maples behind the cabin.
- stand of trees
- stand of pines
- stand of oaks
- dense stand
- thick stand
- old stand
- young stand
- mixed stand
Grammar Patterns
a stand + of [tree type]
a stand of + trees/woods
Usage Note
Technical term in forestry and ecology. Not used for individual trees. The trees in a stand typically share similar characteristics such as age, size, or species.
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/7
The verb stand (sense ACCEPT) means to tolerate something you dislike strongly, often used in negative constructions ("I can't stand the noise"). Bear is slightly more formal and suggests suffering through something heavy or painful ("She bore the pain without complaint"). Tolerate implies allowing something to continue without interference, often with a conscious decision ("The school will not tolerate bullying"). Endure emphasises lasting through hardship over time ("They endured three days without food"). Put up with is informal and suggests reluctant acceptance of an annoyance ("I put up with his bad jokes all evening"). For the noun OPINION sense, stand contrasts with stance (a position taken publicly on an issue, often in politics) and position (a more formal, carefully considered view). For the noun SHOP sense, stand differs from booth (often enclosed for privacy), stall (a market or fair setting), and kiosk (typically selling food, tickets, or information). For the verb RISE sense, stand is the neutral opposite of sit or lie, while get up emphasises the action of rising from a seated or lying position, and rise is more formal or literary.
Common collocations
Phrases
- stand firm
- stand your ground
- make a stand
- take a stand
- stand to reason
- stand a chance
- stand in the way
- stand on ceremony
- stand alone
- stand the test of time
Etymology
From Old English standan, from Proto-Germanic *standaną, from Proto-Indo-European *steh₂- ("to stand"). Cognates include Old Saxon standan, Old High German stantan, Gothic 𐍃𐍄𐌰𐌽𐌳𐌰𐌽 (standan), and Latin sto ("to stand"). The word has been a core verb in English since the 8th century, with noun senses emerging in the 14th–16th centuries.