stable
/ˈsteɪbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsteɪbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstā-bəl/ (ame, mw) · /ˈsteɪ.bəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsteɪ.bəl/ (ame, ipa)
stable — adjective
- stablepositive
- stablercomparative
- stablestsuperlative
1. Firmly placed or supported so that something does not move, shake, or change une
Firmly placed or supported so that something does not move, shake, or change unexpectedly; not likely to break, fail, or undergo sudden shifts.
Make sure the ladder is stable before you climb up to fix the roof.
collocation: stable ladder / stable structure
After a week of ups and downs, the patient's condition is now stable.
The old wooden table is still stable even after years of daily use.
Shanti decided to look for a stable job with a regular monthly salary.
The local economy has enjoyed stable growth for almost five years.
- steady
Focuses on even, continuous movement or balance; 'steady' can describe a hand that does not shake, while 'stable' emphasizes structural fixity.
- balanced
More about equal distribution of weight or forces; a 'balanced' diet is not the same as a 'stable' diet.
- secure
Adds a feeling of safety or protection; a 'secure' job may imply a contract, while a 'stable' job focuses on low risk of loss.
- constant
Describes something that never varies; 'constant' pain is not the same as a 'stable' condition.
用法筆記
Frequently used to describe physical objects (furniture, structures), economic indicators (prices, growth), and medical conditions (vital signs, state of health).
常見錯誤
2. Describes a person who has a healthy state of mind, deals with emotions in a cal
Describes a person who has a healthy state of mind, deals with emotions in a calm way, and does not become upset or irrational easily.
Christopher feels much more stable now that he attends therapy every week.
Children who grow up in a stable home environment tend to do better at school.
collocation: stable home / stable environment
A stable person can listen to criticism without losing their temper.
The school counsellor provides stable emotional support for students in crisis.
- well-adjusted
More specific to social functioning; a well-adjusted child gets along with others and follows rules.
- balanced
Suggests moderation in emotions; 'balanced' is broader — a 'balanced' person eats well, sleeps well, and stays calm.
- rational
Focuses on logical thinking rather than emotional steadiness.
用法筆記
Subject is always a person, a person's character, or a social environment (home, family) that influences mental health. Distinguish from sense 1 in that this sense applies only to mental or emotional stability, not to physical objects or economic systems.
常見錯誤
3. Describes a chemical substance or element that does not easily react with other
Describes a chemical substance or element that does not easily react with other substances or change its atomic or molecular structure under normal conditions.
Gold is a stable metal that does not rust or react with water.
collocation: stable metal / stable compound
The chemist stored the stable compound in a glass container at room temperature.
Scientists search for stable isotopes that do not break down into other elements.
Helium is chemically stable and does not form bonds with other atoms.
- inert
Stronger than 'stable'; an inert substance does not react under almost any conditions.
- non-reactive
Direct description of the same property; less technical.
用法筆記
Primarily used in science and chemistry contexts. The opposite is 'reactive' or 'unstable'. A 'stable' substance can still be dangerous; stability here refers only to chemical reactivity, not physical safety.
常見錯誤
stable — noun
- stablesingular
- stablesplural
1. A building or a group of buildings where horses, ponies, or other farm animals a
A building or a group of buildings where horses, ponies, or other farm animals are kept and cared for.
Every morning at six, Yumi cleans the stables and gives fresh hay to the horses.
The horses were led back to the stable when the thunderstorm began.
The old stable behind the farmhouse has been converted into a pottery workshop.
Gabriela keeps three rescue ponies in a small stable near the river.
- barn
A larger building for storing hay and housing animals; a barn may hold cows and equipment, while a stable is specifically for horses.
- horse shelter
A more general term; a shelter may be a simple roof with no walls.
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form ('stables') even when referring to a single building or facility. The compound 'stable boy' / 'stable hand' refers to a person who works in a stable.
常見錯誤
2. All of the racehorses, racing cars, or other sports assets that one owner or tra
All of the racehorses, racing cars, or other sports assets that one owner or trainer looks after and manages.
The Vega stable won three races at the weekend event in Dublin.
stable + won (collocation: winning stable)
Kwame manages a stable of racing cars that compete across five European countries.
Omar bought two thoroughbreds last spring to add to his growing stable of racehorses.
The new stable has already produced three champion horses in just two years.
用法筆記
Often modified by the owner's name ('the Aga Khan's stable') or a location ('the Newmarket stable'). Extends by analogy to racing cars or yachts owned by one person.
常見錯誤
3. The collection of writers, athletes, performers, or other professionals all unde
The collection of writers, athletes, performers, or other professionals all under the management or employment of a single person, agency, or company.
The newspaper employs a stable of freelance journalists based in different countries.
stable of journalists / stable of writers
Lakan represents a stable of young athletes training for the Olympic qualifying events.
The modelling agency has built a stable of social media influencers with large followings.
Élise joined a stable of scriptwriters working on the new television series.
用法筆記
Typically followed by 'of + plural noun' describing the profession (stable of writers, stable of artists, stable of lawyers). Extends the horse-racing metaphor to any talent pool under one manager.
常見錯誤
stable — verb
- stablepresent simple I / you / we / they
- stables3rd person singular
- stabling-ing form
- stabledpast simple
1. To house a horse or other large animal inside a stable building where it is safe
To house a horse or other large animal inside a stable building where it is safe, sheltered, and properly looked after.
Esme stables her pony at a riding school near the edge of town.
stable + at + location
During the heavy winter storms, Mert stables all his animals inside the barn.
The riding club can stable up to twenty horses for visitors who bring their own.
The racehorse is stabled at a professional training facility in Kentucky.
文法句型
stable + animal + at/in location
用法筆記
Often used in the passive voice ('be stabled at/in'). The object is always a domestic animal, most commonly a horse. Distinguish from 'keep' — 'stable' specifically means housed in a stable building, not just cared for anywhere.