stay by
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle by
Meanings
Continue to support or remain near someone
Why “by”? Something stays near another thing.
“He stayed by her side.”
“A nurse stayed by the bed all night.”
Don't confuse with
Stay by means continue to support or remain near someone. Stay behind means remain in a place after others have left.
Test yourself
“He stayed by her side.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
stay behind
A contrast learners often mix up
Remain in a place after others have left; Remain at school after class as a punishment
come by
Same by pattern: beside
Pay a brief visit to someone; Get or find something, often when it is difficult
drop by
Same by pattern: beside
Make a brief, casual visit
sit by
Same by pattern: beside
Take a seat close beside someone
stand by
Same by pattern: beside
Wait, ready to act if needed; Stay loyal to what you said or promised; Watch without intervening
stop by
Same by pattern: beside
Make a brief, often unplanned visit
swing by
Same by pattern: beside
Visit briefly while travelling between places
stay ahead
Same base verb: stay
Remain in a leading position
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