Standby

A2 8+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /stændbaɪ/

Definitions of standby

noun a state of readiness or availability for immediate action or use

Example Sentences

A1 I always have my phone on standby in case of emergencies.

A2 The flight attendant told us to be on standby for any last-minute changes.

B1 The doctor put the patient on standby for surgery in case a slot opened up.

B2 The military forces were on standby waiting for orders to mobilize.

C1 The emergency response team was on standby ready to deploy at a moment's notice.

C2 The negotiators were on standby in case the peace talks needed to resume.

adjective ready for immediate use or action

Example Sentences

A1 I am on standby for any last-minute changes to the schedule.

A2 The standby generator kicked in when the power went out.

B1 Please put the computer on standby mode when you're not using it.

B2 The flight attendant told us to remain on standby in case there were any available seats on the next flight.

C1 The military had troops on standby in case of a sudden attack.

C2 The doctor was put on standby in case the surgery needed to be performed immediately.

Examples of standby in a Sentence

formal Please remain on standby until further instructions are provided.

informal Just hang tight and stay on standby for now.

slang I'm just chilling on standby until they call me in.

figurative She kept her emotions on standby, ready to react when the time was right.

Grammatical Forms of standby

past tense

stood

plural

standbys

comparative

more standby

superlative

most standby

present tense

standby

future tense

will standby

perfect tense

have stood by

continuous tense

standing by

singular

standby

positive degree

standby

infinitive

to standby

gerund

standing by

participle

stood by

Origin and Evolution of standby

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'standby' originated from the Old English word 'standan' which means 'to stand' and the word 'bi' which means 'near'. It was originally used in a nautical context to refer to a ship or aircraft that is kept ready for immediate use.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'standby' has evolved to also mean a state of readiness or availability, not just in a nautical sense but in various contexts such as technology, transportation, and everyday life.