What does ‘stand’ mean?

The word ‘stand‘ can mean many different things. As a verb, the meaning is to have one’s feet on the ground and be in an upright position or withstand without being damaged.

For example:

The audience stood up and clapped their hands. (an upright position)
The Beatles have stood the test of time. (withstand)

Stand is an irregular verb. The past tense is stood and the past participle is stood.

phrasal verbs with stand

Phrasal verbs with ‘stand’ include:

stand about/around
meaning – wait and do nothing
example – The new guy just stands about and twiddles his thumbs. He is lazy and stupid
stand aside
meaning – move so someone else can take position
example – The procession stood aside so the hearse could pass.
stand back
meaning – keep your distance
example – The spectators stood back as the emergency services dragged the man out of the wreckage.
stand by
meaning – support someone or remain uninvolved
example – My husband has been put in prison for armed robbery. I’m standing by him.
stand down
meaning – quit a job/position so someone else can do it
example – The governor stood down after the corruption scandal hit the papers.
stand for
meaning – represent or tolerate something
example – I’m not going to stand for her selfishness anymore.
stand in for
meaning – take someone’s work/responsibility whist they are away
example – She’s been standing in for the captain for months.
stand out
meaning – be different/noticeable from the rest
example – You will see 4 circles, which one stands out?
stand up
meaning – move to a vertical position or fail to keep an appointment with someone
example – Can everyone please stand up, the queen is about to enter.
stand up for
meaning – defend someone
example – I’ve always stood up for what I believe in.
stand up to
meaning – don’t let people treat you badly
example – I’m going to stand up to my boss and tell him I’m not a slave.