Stay: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes the act of not leaving a place or position, often involving some form of duty or care.

• The doctor advised him to stay in bed until he recovered

Often used to describe continuing to be in a place or state when others have left or it has changed. It implies a sense of continuity or endurance.

• Despite the chaos, he chose to remain calm

Used when someone stays in a place longer than necessary, often because they are reluctant to leave. It can have a slightly negative or lazy connotation.

• He lingered at the café long after finishing his coffee

Used when talking about having a permanent home or living in a place for a significant length of time. It is often more formal.

• They reside in a quaint cottage by the sea

Used when someone or something is in a particular place for a period of time. It is often used in casual conversation.

• You can stay at my house tonight.
• I decided to stay in bed all day.

Used when something continues to exist or stay in a particular state. It can describe both physical presence and abstract concepts.

• Despite the changes, the core values remain the same.
• He chose to remain silent during the meeting.

Used to describe continuing action or behavior, especially when it is difficult or opposed by others. It emphasizes determination.

• He persisted with his studies despite failing many times.
• Despite the challenges, she persisted in her search for the truth.

Typically used in situations involving suffering, pain, or hardship over a long period. It has a strong and often serious tone.

• She had to endure a lot of pain after the accident.
• They endured months of grueling training.

Used interchangeably with 'sojourn' or 'visit' in less formal contexts, typically when someone remains at a place for a relatively short or moderate duration.

• I'll stay at my friend's house tonight.
• They stayed at the cottage for a few days.

Used when someone goes to see a person or place for a short period, typically for social, recreational, or sightseeing purposes. Can sometimes give a sense of formality.

• I will visit my grandparents this weekend.
• They decided to visit the local museum.

Implies a temporary stay, usually for a short and often specified period, often used in a more formal or literary context.

• During his sojourn in Paris, he visited many museums.
• Her sojourn at the countryside villa was peaceful.

Refers to a brief stopping point in the course of a journey, particularly when traveling long distances. It is often associated with a layover during air travel.

• We have a stopover in Dubai before reaching our final destination.
• The trip included a stopover in New York.