Stayed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stayed

[steษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past form

Stayed is the past tense of the verb 'stay'. It refers to the action of remaining in a particular place or position for a period of time. This can involve physical presence, as well as emotional or mental states, such as staying calm in difficult situations.

Synonyms

remained, resided, took up space.

Examples of usage

  • She stayed at home during the storm.
  • He stayed quiet while the others spoke.
  • They stayed friends despite the distance.
  • I stayed up late to finish my project.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Grammar

  • 'Stayed' is the simple past form of the verb 'stay', used to describe actions completed in the past.
  • In English, itโ€™s considered a regular verb because it forms the past tense by adding '-ed' to the base form.

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters often โ€˜stayโ€™ in places of comfort or familiarity as part of their personal journey.
  • Songs sometimes use 'stayed' to express feelings of longing or remembrance, emphasizing connection and delay.

Psychology

  • The concept of staying in one place can relate to feelings of safety and comfort, often seen in childhood attachments.
  • Research suggests that staying in a familiar environment can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting well-being.

Travel & Tourism

  • Travelers often decide how long they have โ€˜stayedโ€™ at a destination based on personal preferences and experiences.
  • In tourism, the term can also refer to accommodations, such as how many nights one has โ€˜stayedโ€™ in a particular hotel.

Origin of 'stayed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stayed' comes from the Middle English 'stayed', which meant to support or hold up.
  • It is the past tense of 'stay', which traces back to Old French 'estayer' meaning to stop or hold fast.

The word 'stay' comes from the Old English 'stวฃgan', which means 'to rise' or 'to get up'. The transition to its current form can be traced through Middle English, where it appeared as 'staie'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify remaining in a place instead of ascending. The verb has various uses in both transitive and intransitive forms, indicating not just physical presence but also commitments to emotional states and relationships. Its usage has broadened to include idiomatic expressions like 'stay put' or 'stay the course', reflecting its adaptability in the English language.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,684, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.