A1verb 1K

Stay

🇬🇧 UK /["/steɪ/","/steɪz/","/steɪd/","/ˈsteɪɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/steɪ/","/steɪz/","/steɪd/","/ˈsteɪɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Stay

to continue to be in a particular place for a period of time without moving away

In simple words: to remain in a place or not leave

Stay in a sentence

• Please stay here until I return.
• I can't stay for dinner tonight.
• Let's stay at this hotel for our vacation.
• I want you to stay calm during the presentation.
• It was hard to stay focused in the noisy classroom.

How to use Stay

Use 'stay' when you want to express remaining somewhere, often temporary. It's versatile for casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it in highly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

stay + location

Memory hint

Sounds like 'stay' on a comfortable chair — imagine deciding to relax and not move.

Related words

Collocations with Stay

• behind
• on
• on
• allow somebody to
• can
• manage to
• at
• in
• on
• a place to stay
• a reason to stay
• stay and chat, help, etc.
• behind
• on
• on
• allow somebody to
• can
• manage to
• at
• in
• on
• a place to stay
• a reason to stay
• stay and chat, help, etc.

Synonyms for Stay

• remain

Opposites of Stay

• leave
• depart
• go

Common mistakes with Stay

• Using 'stay' with an object when it should be intransitive (e.g., saying 'stay the book' instead of 'stay at home')
• Mixing up 'stay' with 'wait' when referring to time spent
• Confusing 'stay' with 'remain' in contexts where only one fits.

Frequently asked questions about Stay

What does Stay mean?

to remain in a place or not leave

What is the definition of Stay?

to continue to be in a particular place for a period of time without moving away

How do you use Stay in a sentence?

Please stay here until I return.

Can you give another example of Stay?

I can't stay for dinner tonight.

What are synonyms for Stay?

Common alternatives include remain.

What is the opposite of Stay?

Opposite meanings include leave, depart, go.

What words go with Stay?

It commonly pairs with behind, on, on, allow somebody to, can, manage to, at, in, on, a place to stay, a reason to stay, stay and chat, help, etc., behind, on, on, allow somebody to, can, manage to, at, in, on, a place to stay, a reason to stay, stay and chat, help, etc..

What are common mistakes when using Stay?

Using 'stay' with an object when it should be intransitive (e.g., saying 'stay the book' instead of 'stay at home') Mixing up 'stay' with 'wait' when referring to time spent Confusing 'stay' with 'remain' in contexts where only one fits.

How do you pronounce Stay?

US: /["/steɪ/","/steɪz/","/steɪd/","/ˈsteɪɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/steɪ/","/steɪz/","/steɪd/","/ˈsteɪɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Stay?

Use 'stay' when you want to express remaining somewhere, often temporary. It's versatile for casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it in highly formal writing.

What CEFR level is Stay?

"Stay" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.