stand

To be upright with your body supported by your feet.

• Please stand here.
• We stood in a queue for an hour.
• Can you stand on one leg?

How to use it: stand on something (She stood on one leg.); stand up (Please stand up when your name is called.)

Opposites: sit, lie

Common phrases: stand up, stand still, stand on something

To accept or deal with something unpleasant without becoming too upset.

• I cannot stand this noise.
• She could not stand the pain any longer.
• Can you stand working in such heat?

How to use it: can’t stand someone/something (I can’t stand that smell.); can’t stand doing something (She can’t stand waiting in long queues.); can’t stand it when ... (He can’t stand it when people shout.)

Similar words: bear, tolerate, put up with

Common phrases: cannot stand something, stand the heat, stand someone doing something

To stay in one place without moving.

• The train stood still.
• Water stood in the empty bucket overnight.
• Their car has stood in the driveway for weeks.

Similar words: remain, stay

Opposites: move

Common phrases: stand still, stand idle, stand empty

An object that holds something up or keeps it in a particular position.

• Put the camera on its stand.
• She adjusted the music stand before playing.
• These wooden stands hold plants by the window.

Similar words: support, holder

Common phrases: music stand, camera stand, display stand

A firm position or effort to defend something or resist others.

• We must make a stand here.
• The soldiers made their last stand at the bridge.
• Her stand against the cuts inspired the whole community.

How to use it: make a stand against something (The villagers made a stand against the invading army.)

Similar words: resistance, defence

Common phrases: make a stand, last stand, take a stand, firm stand

The place in a court where a witness sits or stands to answer questions.

• The witness took the stand.
• She spent two hours on the stand.
• Who will be called to the stand next?

Similar words: witness box

Common phrases: witness stand, take the stand, on the stand