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to stay

to stay

82 7.7
To make something stable by fixing ropes or braces
  • verb
  • /steɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : asegurar
  • To ensure the tent remains stable, you need to stay the corners with ropes.
  • cable-stayed bridge
  • cable-stayed

Examples

  • The construction team used cables to stay the framework of the bridge.

  • Workers must stay the beams to keep the building safe during the renovations.

  • So even if ship moves, this has to stay in the position.

  • Therefore, these middle bars stay inside the ball.

  • So how do you make sure a bridge stays up for a very long time?

  • You need to stay here and make sure that fire door stays open.

  • Even though they have this ear hook design, they stay on the ears pretty well.

  • I'm just going to use a little piece of tape to make sure this stays nice and flat.

  • So it's really important that we add in our shaping so that it stays even along the top.

  • I have got some rubber bands to make sure that stays together the following day.

Synonyms

to attach
vsto stay
459 2.5

To join or fasten one thing to another so they stay together

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability
to secure
vsto stay
347 3.3

To fasten firmly so it cannot move or be taken

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability
to support
vsto stay
240 1.0

Hold up something so it does not fall

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability
to fix
vsto stay
218 1.0

To attach something firmly so it does not move

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability
to brace
vsto stay
150 4.4

To make something stronger or prepare yourself for something difficult

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability
to hold up
vsto stay
115 3.4

To support the weight of something so it does not fall

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability
to fasten
vsto stay
68 1.6

Hold something in place so it cannot move

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability
to strap
vsto stay
52 2.9

To fasten something with a band so it stays in place

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability
to sustain
vsto stay
41 4.1

To hold up something heavy so it does not fall

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability
to hold steady
vsto stay
17 2.9

Keep something or someone in place and still

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability
to splint
vsto stay
  • Specialized
5 5.4

To put a support on an injured arm or finger to keep it still

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability
to fixate
vsto stay
2 6.8

To fasten something so it does not move

fastens or supports by using ropes wires or braces for strong stability

Antonyms

1.8

To let someone or something go free from being held

16 3.9

To take something off from what it is connected to

Idioms

1 7.7

To be alert and ready to act

1 8.1

To not drink alcohol after a period of drinking

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

590 1.6

Keep a distance from people or things you want to avoid

450 2.0

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

Avoid going near people or places for safety

336 1.0

Be at home and not go out

264 3.7

Keep power over a situation and stay calm

to stay up
  • Informal
253 2.4

To be awake later than usual

Remain close and loyal to each other during hard times

to stay put
  • Informal
133 2.0

Remain in the same place without moving

111 3.4

To remain in a place or job after others leave

to stay tuned
  • Literature
98 3.5

To wait and pay attention for more news or updates

to stay over
  • Informal
70 3.0

Sleep at someone else's home for the night

57 2.6

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

To avoid getting involved in an argument or fight

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

28 3.4

To watch carefully so you notice danger or changes

To keep informed and in control to avoid problems

To remain connected by phone while you wait for help

to stay afloat
  • Informal
16 4.1

Keep operating when money is low

Remain inside a building to avoid bad weather or danger

Keep your body healthy and fit by doing regular exercise

Not move from a place

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

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

Keep being modest and not become proud when you do well

to stay cozy
  • Informal
1 2.0

Be warm and comfortable at home

Keep up with changes so you do not fall behind

9.8

Keep connected to younger people by using their words and ideas

To continue being liked or supported by a person in power

To remain in someone's memory

Compounds

48 3.9

A person who rarely goes out and prefers being at home

11 8.9

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

9 4.1

Preferring to be at home rather than go out socially

stay-at-home
  • Formal
3 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 Stable

to anchor
51 3.4
to secure
347 3.3
to stay
  • Specialized
82 7.7
brace
85 4.0
to support
240 1.0
to prop
68 4.1

Surface Forms

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

Etymology

The word stay meaning to fasten or support comes from the idea of holding something so it 'stands' firm, from Latin stare 'to stand', so to stay a mast or wall is to keep it stable and upright.