Still
/stɪl/
Definitions
4 meaningsNot moving; motionless; without motion.
/stɪl/
Without movement or activity.
The air was still and silent before the storm.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're looking at a statue. It doesn't move, right? 'Still' means the same thing – not moving. Like, 'The cat was still, watching the bird.'
👶 For kids: Not moving, like a statue!
More Examples
He remained still, listening intently.
The painting showed a still life of fruit.
How It's Used
"The lake was still this morning."
Up to and including the present or a specified time; even now or then.
/stɪl/
Up to and including a particular time; even now.
She still lives in her childhood home.
💡 Simply: Imagine something that keeps going on. Even though you expected it to stop, it's 'still' happening. Like, 'I'm still hungry, even after dinner!'
👶 For kids: Happening now, or even though something else happened.
More Examples
Despite his age, he is still very active.
Are you still planning to go to the concert?
How It's Used
"He is still working on the project."
"I still remember the first time we met."
To cause to be or become still; to make or become quiet.
/stɪl/
To make or become still.
She tried to still her racing heart.
💡 Simply: Imagine trying to make something quiet. To 'still' something means to calm it down or make it stop moving. Like, 'The doctor stilled the baby's crying.'
👶 For kids: To make something quiet or not move.
More Examples
The wind stilled, and a profound silence fell over the valley.
The mother stilled her child with a lullaby.
How It's Used
"The storm stilled the waters."
A photograph taken from a movie or TV show, or a photograph of a single, motionless object or scene.
/stɪl/
A photograph or other image of a single, motionless object or scene.
The studio released a promotional still from the new film.
💡 Simply: Have you ever seen a picture from a movie? It's like a snapshot, but it's called a 'still.' It captures a moment in time.
👶 For kids: A picture that doesn't move, like from a movie or TV show.
More Examples
She framed a still from her favorite movie.
The photographer focused on capturing the perfect still life.
How It's Used
"The photographer took a still of the actor during the scene."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
still waters run deep
People who appear quiet or unassuming may be very intelligent, thoughtful, or have strong emotions.
"Don't underestimate her; still waters run deep."
From Old English *stille* ('motionless, quiet'), from Proto-Germanic *stilli- ('quiet, still').
The word 'still' has been used in the same sense since the Old English period, demonstrating its consistent meaning over centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a still photograph: no movement.
Word Origin
"quiet, motionless"