Stood Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšถ
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stood

[stสŠd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Stood is the past tense of the verb 'stand', which means to be in an upright position on the feet. It implies maintaining an upright posture without moving. This verb can also denote enduring a period or a condition. It can be used to indicate a position in a situation or the act of remaining in a certain place. In a figurative sense, 'stood' can express a stance or opinion held strongly by someone.

Synonyms

endured, remained, withstood.

Examples of usage

  • He stood tall during the ceremony.
  • The soldiers stood in formation.
  • She stood by her friend in difficult times.
  • They stood up for their rights.
  • The statue stood in the park for decades.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

  • 'Stood' is often used in poetry to convey concepts of stability or permanence.
  • In literature, characters often reflect on places they 'stood' to symbolize their emotional states.
  • The expression 'stood up for someone' highlights themes of support and bravery in interpersonal relationships.

Psychology

  • Research shows that standing can influence our confidence levels, with people feeling more assertive when they are upright.
  • Body language, including standing straight, can significantly affect how others perceive us.
  • Being in a standing position can help with focus and brainstorming, showing that posture affects cognitive functions.

Literature

  • William Shakespeare's works often included characters who 'stood' in contemplation, highlighting inner conflict.
  • In Charles Dickens' novels, characters 'stood' in symbolic locations representing their social status or moral choices.
  • The phrase 'I stood alone' frequently appears in literature, embodying themes of isolation or individual strength.

Origin of 'stood'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'standan', which meant to remain in one place.
  • It has Germanic roots, linked to the word 'standen' in German, which also means to stand.
  • The change from 'stand' to 'stood' is an example of an irregular verb transformation in English.

The word 'stood' originates from the Old English 'standan', which means 'to stand'. This term has deep roots in the Germanic languages, where similar terms are found in Old High German 'stanzan' and Old Norse 'standa'. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved, but its core essence related to an upright position has been preserved. The transformation into the past tense 'stood' is part of a larger pattern of irregular verb conjugation in English, which often stems from historical phonetic changes in the language. The use of 'stood' can be traced back over a millennium, reflecting the enduring nature of the concept of standing in both physical and metaphorical contexts. Its application expanded with the development of English literature and spoken language, contributing to its frequent use in various idiomatic expressions.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,037, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.