Meaning & Definition of word "Stay"

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    Stay

    /steɪ/

    noun:

    • 1. a period of staying; a pause or break.
      • Example: We had a lovely stay at the hotel during our vacation.
    • 2. the act of staying or remaining.
      • Example: Her stay in Paris was unforgettable.

    verb:

    • 1. to remain in a specific place or position.
      • Example: Please stay here while I go get the car.
    • 2. to continue in a specified state, condition, or situation.
      • Example: I hope we can stay friends after this.
    • 3. to delay or postpone from acting or moving.
      • Example: The judge decided to stay the proceedings until the next hearing.

    Etymology

    Middle English steien, from Old French estaier, from Latin stare 'to stand'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    stay put:

    To remain in one place and not move.

    stay the course:

    To continue with something as planned.

    stay tuned:

    To continue listening or watching for more information.

    Related Words

    staycation:

    A vacation spent at home or nearby.

    staying power:

    The ability to endure or last.

    stake:

    A firm stick or post, or to have a vested interest in something.

    Slang Meanings of stay

    Meaning: To hang out or chill in a place.

    Example Sentence: Let's just stay at the crib and watch movies.

    Meaning: To keep things as they are; no changes.

    Example Sentence: I'm going to stay with my current plan.