To stand is to be upright on your feet, not sitting or lying down. It can also mean to tolerate something, to take a firm position or opinion, or a small table or structure used for holding things.
From Old English “standan” meaning “to stand,” from Proto-Germanic *“standan,” from Proto-Indo-European *“stā-” meaning “to stand, stay.” It is one of the oldest and most basic action words in the language.
Because standing is such a basic human action, the word grew into many abstract meanings: you ‘take a stand’ on an issue, or ‘can’t stand’ someone you dislike. The same ancient root appears in “stable,” “state,” “status,” and even “constant”—all about what stands or stays.
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