A1verb1K

Stay

UK /["/steɪ/","/steɪz/","/steɪd/","/ˈsteɪɪŋ/"]/US /["/steɪ/","/steɪz/","/steɪd/","/ˈsteɪɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • remain

Antonyms

  • leave
  • depart
  • go

Common mistakes

  • 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.