Language Research

still · adverb

/stɪl/Full view

still (CONTINUING)

A2 used to say that something is continuing to happen now or that someone is continuing to do something now

Dictionary examples:

I'm still hungry.

I still haven't finished my essay.

I still have a scar on my knee from that fall two years ago.

Do you still work for the post office?

There's still time for us to get to the theater before the movie starts.

Learner example:

So, I think my bag [is] still in my room. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

still (DESPITE)

B1 despite that

Dictionary examples:

You may not approve of what he did, but he's still your brother.

He was diagnosed with cancer but still returned to work.

She doesn't really have the time, but she still offered to help.

Learner example:

I was sure that it was not in my house but I still wanted to check. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Tamil)

better still

B2 even better

Dictionary example:

Give her a call, or better still go see her.

Learner example:

To my mind, the best place to do the painting is my bedroom, because you'll have plenty of space to work, and, better still, we won't bother anybody. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

still · adjective

/stɪl/

still (NOT MOVING)

B2 not moving

Dictionary examples:

Children find it difficult to sit/stand/stay still for very long.

I can't brush your hair if you don't hold still.

Learner example:

I'd like to have my dog painted, too, but I'm afraid that'll be impossible because it won't stay still! (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

still (WATER/AIR)

C2 Still water or air does not have waves or wind.

Dictionary examples:

She dived into the still water of the lake.

The air was so still that not even the leaves on the trees were moving.

Learner example:

At the foot of the monastery's ruins was a pool, wide and still, and smooth in the sunlight, surrounded by flowers and tall trees, wonderfully bloomed. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)