stand for
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle for
Meanings
Represent or mean something
Why “for”? A sign has a meaning, or a person or thing is accepted as another identity.
“The letters GPS stand for Global Positioning System.”
“In this picture, the dove stands for peace.”
Accept behaviour that you dislike, usually in a negative statement
Why “for”? A person accepts something they would normally reject: a worse choice, bad behaviour, or a false story.
“I will not stand for rude behaviour.”
“The coach will not stand for cheating.”
Test yourself
“The letters GPS stand for Global Positioning System.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
fall for
Same for pattern: accepting
Believe a lie or trick and be deceived; Begin to love someone in a romantic way
pass for
Same for pattern: representation
Be accepted as a particular person or thing, even when this is not true
settle for
Same for pattern: accepting
Accept less than you wanted because the better choice is unavailable
stand around
Same base verb: stand
Stand somewhere doing nothing useful
stand aside
Same base verb: stand
Move out of the way or step down from a role
stand back
Same base verb: stand
Move out of the way
stand behind
Same base verb: stand
Be the unseen reason or motivator for something; Continue to support someone in difficulty
stand by
Same base verb: stand
Wait, ready to act if needed; Stay loyal to what you said or promised; Watch without intervening
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