Standing

'stændɪŋ

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To support the body in an upright position on the feet; to be in a position of not sitting or lying.

'stændɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
General

To be in an upright position on one's feet.

The children were told to stand in line.

💡 Simply: It means to be on your feet, not sitting or lying down. Like when you're waiting for something, you are often standing!

👶 For kids: When you're on your feet and not sitting down, that's standing!

More Examples

2

He stood still and listened intently.

3

The statue has been standing in the town square for over a century.

How It's Used

General conversation

"She was standing at the bus stop."

Physical activity

"He stood up and walked to the window."

2

A person's position or status in a particular society or group; a reputation or character; the state of being.

'stændɪŋ

nounneutralmedium
Medical

The position or status of someone or something.

She has a good standing in the community.

💡 Simply: It's how important or respected someone is. Like, if a doctor has a good reputation, they have good standing in the medical community.

👶 For kids: It's like where you are on a list, or how people think of you. Like if you're good at playing games, you have a good standing with your friends!

More Examples

2

The company's financial standing is strong.

3

The charity has a high standing among its donors.

How It's Used

Legal

"The plaintiff has no standing to sue."

Social

"His high standing in the community is well-known."

Sports

"The team's standing in the league improved."

Tip:Think of someone's "standing" as their place in a line, or how high they are in rank.
3

Being in an upright position.

'stændɪŋ

adjectiveneutralBeginner
General

In an upright position

A standing desk.

💡 Simply: It's the way things are set up! Like a standing lamp.

👶 For kids: It means something is upright.

More Examples

2

The standing water in the puddle.

3

A standing ovation for the performer.

How It's Used

General conversation

"We saw a standing ovation."

Business

"He has a standing order."

Tip:Think of something that is remaining on a surface upright.

Idioms & expressions

standing room only

A situation where a venue is so crowded that there are no seats available.

"The concert was so popular that they had standing room only."

on a standing

Refers to how someone or something is positioned, ranked, or viewed.

"The company is trying to improve its standing in the market."

stand one's ground

To maintain one's position or beliefs, especially in the face of opposition.

"Despite the pressure, she stood her ground."

From Middle English standen, stonden, from Old English standan ('to stand'), from Proto-Germanic *standaną. Cognate with Dutch staan, German stehen, etc.

The word 'standing' has been used since Old English (standan).

Memory tip

Imagine someone standing like a sturdy tree, firmly rooted.

standdingstaning

Usage

65%Spoken
35%Written