Stay
steɪ
Definitions
5 meaningsTo remain in a particular place or condition.
steɪ
To remain in a place
The family decided to stay in the city for the weekend.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a trip and want to chill at the hotel instead of sightseeing. You would 'stay' at the hotel! It means to be in a place and not leave.
👶 For kids: To be in a place. Like, you stay in your bed at night!
More Examples
I'll stay here until you get back.
The guests were asked to stay away from the pool area.
How It's Used
"We stayed at a hotel near the beach."
"Can you stay for dinner?"
To continue in a particular condition or position.
steɪ
To continue in a state
She managed to stay positive despite the challenges.
💡 Simply: If you want to keep things the way they are, you want them to 'stay'. Like, 'Stay calm!' means don't get upset.
👶 For kids: To keep the same. Like, 'Stay quiet!' means don't make any noise.
More Examples
The prices have stayed consistent over the past year.
We should stay informed about the current situation.
How It's Used
"Stay calm during the emergency."
"The situation stayed the same."
To delay or postpone something, often a legal proceeding.
steɪ
To postpone an action
The court decided to stay the proceedings.
💡 Simply: Like putting a pause button on something, especially in a legal case. It's like saying, 'Let's wait on that for now.'
👶 For kids: Not for kids.
More Examples
The judge granted a stay of execution.
They filed a motion to stay the order.
How It's Used
"The judge stayed the execution."
A period of time spent in a particular place or with someone.
steɪ
A period of staying
Our stay in the countryside was relaxing.
💡 Simply: If you spend a week in a hotel, that week is your 'stay'. It's the time you hang out somewhere.
👶 For kids: The time you spend somewhere. Like your stay at grandma's house!
More Examples
The length of her stay was a month.
He extended his stay due to the weather.
How It's Used
"We had a pleasant stay at the hotel."
"During her stay in Paris, she learned French."
A rope or wire used to support a mast or other upright structure.
steɪ
A supporting rope
The stays were tightened to stabilize the ship.
💡 Simply: Imagine a rope that helps hold up a tall pole on a ship. That rope is a 'stay'.
👶 For kids: Not for kids.
More Examples
He checked the condition of the stays before setting sail.
The ship's stays were replaced during maintenance.
How It's Used
"The mast was secured by several stays."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
stay put
To remain in the same place or position.
"The children were told to stay put while the parents went to the store."
make a stay
To reside somewhere.
"They decided to make a stay with their relatives over the holidays."
From Old French *estayer* 'to support, prop up,' from Vulgar Latin *stare*, from Latin *stare* 'to stand.'
The word 'stay' has been in use since the late 13th century, evolving from Old French to its current form. Initially, it primarily meant to 'stand' or 'remain' in a place, but has expanded its semantic range over time.
Memory tip
Imagine you're *stay*ing put on a beach vacation – you're not going anywhere!
Word Origin
"to stand"