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to stay

to stay

∞ 1.0
To remain in one place and not leave
  • verb
  • /steɪ/
: quedarse
  • I should have just stayed at home.
  • stay home
  • stay here
  • stay away

I didn't come this far to stay where I am.

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Examples

  • Now they're not able to stay there forever.

  • I want you to stay and watch me handle this.

  • I want you to stay with me.

  • Why is it so hard just to stay with me?

  • How long will I have to stay in this place?

  • QCSD students have access to Gmail to stay in constant contact with their teachers.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Each darkened switchback on the road helped me stay awake throughout the night.

    Academic text (2015)
  • I want you to stay with me until the party ends.

  • How long are you staying in the UK for your vacation?

  • Will you be staying here tonight or going home?

Synonyms

to keep
vsto stay
∞ 1.0

To continue doing something or stay in the same state

is narrower, focusing on presence rather than maintaining things
to remain
vsto stay
∞ 1.0

To stay in the same place or state and not change

is the common everyday verb used for this basic idea
to stick
vsto stay
∞ 3.5

To stay loyal to someone or a group

is the simple term for being present without loyalty nuance
to stay on
vsto stay
685 3.4

To remain in a place or job after others leave

is more general and does not stress others leaving
to stay at
vsto stay
563 2.0

To live somewhere for a short time, like a hotel or a friend's house

is wider, covering any kind of remaining in a place
to stick around
vsto stay
  • Informal
326 2.9

Stay in a place to wait for something

is the general verb not focused on waiting or expectation
to linger
vsto stay
215 3.7

To stay in a place longer than expected because you do not want to leave

is neutral and does not suggest delay or reluctance
to continue
vsto stay
214 1.0

To stay in the same job or role

is used more for simply being in a place or state
to stay put
vsto stay
  • Informal
126 2.0

Remain in the same place without moving

is broader, applying to places, states, or conditions
94 2.2

Stay with someone so they are not alone

is the general verb for being present without implying companionship
to dwell
vsto stay
67 3.2

To live in a place such as a house or town

is the simpler everyday verb for being present or not leaving
to rest
vsto stay
28 1.0

To remain in the same state without change

is the simpler action of being in a place or state
to stay in place
vsto stay
19 1.5

Not move from a place

also covers being in a state or condition, not just position
to abide
vsto stay
  • Archaic
14 9.9

To live in a place

is the modern everyday expression rather than dated or literary
to stick about
vsto stay
  • UK
1 4.1

Stay nearby or wait in a place for a short time

is broader, covering any length of continued presence
to persist
vsto stay
  • Formal
1 5.2

To stay in a place for a long time

is the neutral everyday expression rather than formal usage

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

To go away from a place, person, or group

∞ 1.0

To make something or someone different

∞ 1.0

Change position or place

170 1.3

To leave a place to start a journey

Idioms

1 8.1

To not drink alcohol after a period of drinking

1 7.7

To be alert and ready to act

1 5.1

To keep enough money to pay bills and not owe money

To keep wanting more and trying to improve without accepting being average

To want to keep getting better and to try hard to improve

To keep wanting to learn new things

Keep standing and awake even when very tired

To not ask about or get involved in someone's private matters

Phrasal Verbs

711 1.6

Keep a distance from people or things you want to avoid

685 3.4

To remain in a place or job after others leave

Avoid going near people or places for safety

563 2.0

To live somewhere for a short time, like a hotel or a friend's house

493 1.0

Be at home and not go out

to stay up
  • Informal
239 2.4

To be awake later than usual

Remain close and loyal to each other during hard times

to stay put
  • Informal
126 2.0

Remain in the same place without moving

to stay tuned
  • Literature
120 3.5

To wait and pay attention for more news or updates

99 2.6

Avoid walking on places like wet grass or a freshly painted floor

To avoid getting involved in an argument or fight

to stay over
  • Informal
61 3.0

Sleep at someone else's home for the night

To avoid getting into problems with the police or people in charge

To keep informed and in control to avoid problems

27 3.4

To watch carefully so you notice danger or changes

to stay afloat
  • Informal
19 4.1

Keep operating when money is low

Keep your body healthy and fit by doing regular exercise

Not move from a place

Remain inside a building to avoid bad weather or danger

To remain connected by phone while you wait for help

To focus on a goal without getting distracted

Drink enough water so your body can work well

To continue acting as the role you play, not as yourself

To keep up with the latest news and events

Remain in good condition and not go bad

Keep power over a situation and stay calm

To keep to the planned time for an activity without being late

To remain in someone's memory

Keep being modest and not become proud when you do well

to stay cozy
  • Informal
2 2.0

Be warm and comfortable at home

To continue being liked or supported by a person in power

Keep up with changes so you do not fall behind

1 9.8

Keep connected to younger people by using their words and ideas

Compounds

56 4.1

Preferring to be at home rather than go out socially

14 8.9

An official order by a court that temporarily stops a punishment, for example a death sentence

1 3.9

A person who rarely goes out and prefers being at home

stay-at-home
  • Formal
1 3.5

An official order telling people to remain at home to slow the spread of a disease

jumper stay
  • Specialized
9.9

A short wire on a sailboat that keeps the mast top straight and sends pull from back to front

stay relay
  • Specialized
7.9

An electrical switch that stays in the same position when power is removed

How Long

to reside
107 3.0
to linger
215 3.7
to stay
∞ 1.0
to stop by
  • Informal
560 2.5

Surface Forms

stay infinitive
stayed past
stayed past participle
staying present participle
stays third person singular

Etymology

The word stay comes from an old root meaning 'to stand', from Latin stare 'to stand', so to stay is to 'stand in one place' or remain where you are.