stay

Universal Words verb, noun verb 1 to continue to be in a particular place for a period of time without moving away: [V] to stay in bed / in the house / in your room * 'Do you want a drink?' 'No, thanks, I can't stay.' * Stay there and don't move! * We ended up staying for lunch. * She stayed at home (= did not go out to work) while the children were young. * I'm staying late at the office tonight. * My hat won't stay on! * Can you stay behind after the others have gone and help me clear up? * I can stay a few minutes longer. * We stayed to see what would happen. * [V-ing] They stayed talking until well into the night. HELPNOTE In spoken English stay can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive, to show purpose or to tell somebody what to do: I'll stay and help you. * Can you stay and keep an eye on the baby? 2 to continue to be in a particular state or situation: [V-ADJ] He never stays angry for long. * I can't stay awake any longer. * The store stays open until late on Thursdays. * Stay tuned (= used to ask people to continue listening to or watching a particular programme on the radio or television). * [V+adv./prep.] I don't know why they stay together (= remain married or in a relationship). * Inflation stayed below 4% last month. * She did not want to stay in nursing all her life. * The TV stays on all day in their house. * [V-N] We promised to stay friends for ever. 3 [V] to live in a place temporarily as a guest or visitor: We found out we were staying in the same hotel. * My sister's coming to stay next week. * He's staying with friends this weekend. * I stayed three nights at my cousin's house. HELPNOTE In Scottish English, stay can mean 'to live in a place permanently': Where do you stay (= where do you live)? IDIOMS be here to stay