Language Research

stay · verb I

/steɪ/Full view

stay (NOT LEAVE)

A1 to remain in a place, job, etc. and not leave

Dictionary examples:

I have a meeting at three so I can’t stay long.

James had to stay after school to complete the assignment.

They need an assistant who is willing to stay for six months.

She’s come back home to stay.

Because of the snow, schools have been closed and children told to stay home.

Learner example:

During the break times, I prefer to stay [in] the classroom just [to] read the French-English dictionary, so I learn or discover many other words that I can use in my speech. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Pashto)

stay (LIVE)

A2 to live or be in a place for a short time as a visitor

Dictionary examples:

I stayed in Montreal for two weeks then flew home.

I’ll be staying overnight at my sister’s house.

My sister is staying with us this weekend.

They said they'd stay at/in a hotel.

Learner example:

Last week I went to visit Egypt for 10 days. I stayed in Cairo 5 days. It's [a] good town but it's very busy. (Skills for Life (Entry 2); A2; Arabic)

stay (CONTINUE)

B1 to continue to be in a particular state

Dictionary examples:

The supermarket stays open late.

I was tired and couldn't stay awake.

They stayed friends, even after they moved to different countries.

You need to stay focused - your mind can wander during a long drive.

Learner example:

Some people prefer to stay dry [rather] than be caught by the rain. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

stay put

C2 to remain in the same place and not leave there

Dictionary example:

He told me to stay put while he went to get the car.

Learner example:

It was extremely stressful and she didn't like the working conditions and atmosphere at work, but as it was [difficult] to find another job, she stayed put. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

stay away (from sth)

C1 to remain away from something or to avoid something

Dictionary examples:

Stay away from the edge of the cliff.

Those buildings are being torn down - you should stay away.

Learner example:

The place is small and with a lot of trees if you prefer to stay away from the hot summer sun or if you feel like having a picnic. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Catalan)

stay behind

C2 to remain at a place when other people leave it

Dictionary example:

Francine went on ahead and I stayed behind to wait for Annie.

Learner example:

The tourists were to stay behind, waiting for his return, so they all made themselves comfortable as well as they could. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

stay on

C2 to remain somewhere for a longer time than expected or after other people have left

Dictionary example:

His boss asked him to stay on as manager for another year.

Learner example:

Thus it can be seen in the novel that Olivia left her husband for another man and that she was determined to stay on in India in spite of her friends judging her. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

stay out

B2 to not come home at night, or to go home late

Dictionary example:

My folks don't let me stay out late.

Learner example:

Firstly, I like it so much because we have no school and we can stay out for as long as we want. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

stay out of sth

C1 to not become involved in an argument or discussion

Dictionary examples:

It's better to stay out of their arguments.

You don't know anything about this, so just stay out of it!

stay over

B2 to spend the night somewhere instead of returning to your home or continuing your journey

Dictionary example:

Why don't you stay over and drive back in the morning?

Learner example:

We stay[ed] over in a hotel and the next morning Tom brought me home. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

stay up

B2 to go to bed later than usual

Dictionary example:

We stayed up (late) to watch a movie on TV.

Learner example:

In Vegas, we were staying up all night gambling. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

stay · noun C

/steɪ/

stay

B1 a period of time that you spend in a place

Dictionary example:

Did you enjoy your stay in Tokyo?

Learner example:

I hope my stay in London will be an interesting experience, because I pa[i]d a lot for this trip. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)