standby
/ˈstændbaɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstændbaɪ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstan(d)-ˌbī/ (ame, mw)
standby — noun
- standbysingular
- standbysplural
1. an object, piece of equipment, or other resource that is kept ready for use when
an object, piece of equipment, or other resource that is kept ready for use whenever the usual item fails or cannot be obtained.
The hospital keeps a standby generator in case the main power supply fails.
collocation: standby generator / standby equipment
When her laptop battery died, Anya took out the paper notebook she carries as a standby.
Every kitchen should have a few cans of soup as a quick standby for busy nights.
The fire station keeps a standby vehicle available whenever the main engine is being repaired.
- backup
more common in computing and general contexts; less formal
- reserve
suggests a stored supply rather than an immediate replacement
- substitute
focuses on the idea of replacement rather than readiness
- primary
the main item that is normally used
文法句型
standby + noun
a standby
用法筆記
Commonly combines with nouns that name equipment: standby generator, standby battery, standby vehicle. When used attributively (a standby plan), the hyphenated form stand-by is also possible in British English.
常見錯誤
2. a state in which a person or group is ready and available to act or be used imme
a state in which a person or group is ready and available to act or be used immediately if needed, especially during an emergency or a busy work period.
The ambulance crew was on standby outside the concert hall in case of any medical emergencies.
phrase: on standby + for [event]
Christopher kept three extra nurses on standby during the night shift at the hospital.
All flights were cancelled, and the airport put a team of customer service agents on standby.
The rescue team remained on standby until the storm passed and the roads were safe again.
- off duty
not working or available
文法句型
on standby
put/keep someone on standby
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in the fixed phrase on standby, which functions as a complement after verbs such as be, keep, put, and place. Subject is typically a person, a team, or an emergency-service unit.
常見錯誤
3. a low-power condition of a television, computer, or similar appliance: the power
a low-power condition of a television, computer, or similar appliance: the power supply remains connected, but the device is not fully active and must be woken by pressing a button or remote control.
Leaving the television on standby all night wastes more electricity than many people realise.
phrase: leave [device] on standby
Élise pressed the power button, but the screen stayed black because it was still in standby mode.
collocation: standby mode
Most modern game consoles download updates while in standby instead of fully turned off.
The printer automatically enters standby after ten minutes of no activity.
- sleep mode
more common for computers and mobile devices; implies the device can wake quickly
- idle
describes a device that is on but not actively processing any task
- active
the device is fully on and functioning
文法句型
on standby
leave [device] on standby
in standby mode
用法筆記
Distinguish from noun sense 2 — sense 2 applies to people and organisations, while sense 3 applies only to electronic devices. Home appliances in standby mode still consume a small amount of electricity, sometimes called vampire power.
4. the situation in which a passenger waits at an airport or theatre hoping to get
the situation in which a passenger waits at an airport or theatre hoping to get a seat that opens up shortly before departure or the start of a performance, usually at a reduced price.
Ravindra waited on standby for three hours before a seat opened on the Tokyo flight.
phrase: on standby for [flight]
Students with flexible schedules often travel standby because the tickets are cheaper than regular fares.
phrase: travel standby
The airline does not guarantee a seat if you book as a standby passenger.
Four standby travellers were called to the counter just before the boarding gate closed.
- standby basis
the arrangement under which standby travel operates
- go-show
airline industry term for passengers without a reservation who show up and wait
- confirmed
a reservation that guarantees a seat
文法句型
on standby for [flight/performance]
travel/fly standby
用法筆記
Common in airline and theatre contexts. A passenger on standby is not confirmed for a seat until just before departure or showtime. Some airlines allow standby only for flexible or staff travel.
常見錯誤
5. a discounted ticket offered shortly ahead of a departure or show, usable only if
a discounted ticket offered shortly ahead of a departure or show, usable only if a previously booked seat becomes free.
Kian bought a standby for the evening show when a family of four cancelled their seats.
The woman at the counter said standbys are only sold after confirmed passengers have boarded.
countable noun: standbys (plural)
Standbys for popular Broadway musicals are extremely hard to find on weekends.
Sumin bought a standby for the late flight and saved nearly half the normal price.
- standby ticket
the full form of the same noun
- reduced fare
a broader category that includes standby tickets but also other discounts
- confirmed ticket
a regular ticket that guarantees a seat
文法句型
a standby
buy/use a standby
用法筆記
This sense is distinct from noun sense 4 — sense 4 describes the waiting situation, while sense 5 refers to the actual ticket itself. In everyday speech, standby is often short for standby ticket.
standby — adjective
- standbypositive
- standbiercomparative
- standbiestsuperlative
1. kept available and ready to be used immediately in place of the main item, espec
kept available and ready to be used immediately in place of the main item, especially in case of failure or emergency.
The office maintains a standby generator that starts automatically if the main power goes out.
attributive: standby + noun
A standby battery pack can keep your phone running during a long hike.
The pilot requested a standby aircraft in case the engine inspection revealed a problem.
Wren always packs a standby pair of glasses in her bag when she travels overseas.
The event organisers arranged a standby tent in case of sudden rain.
文法句型
standby + noun
用法筆記
This adjective is used only before a noun (attributive position). You can say a standby ticket but NOT the ticket is standby. For predicative use, use the phrase on standby instead (e.g. the generator is on standby).
常見錯誤
standby — adverb
1. without a confirmed reservation, relying on the possibility that a seat or place
without a confirmed reservation, relying on the possibility that a seat or place will become available at the last moment.
Mauricio's mother flew standby from Chicago to New York because her schedule was flexible.
pattern: fly/travel/go standby
The airline allows employees to travel standby on any flight with empty seats.
Passengers who book standby must check in at the gate and wait to be called.
If you fly standby, you can save a lot of money on domestic trips.
- on a standby basis
the fuller, more formal version of the same meaning
- confirmed
with a guaranteed reservation
文法句型
fly/travel/go standby
standby [verb]
用法筆記
Standby as an adverb appears almost exclusively in travel and airline contexts, immediately following verbs such as fly, travel, go, and book. It is far more common in American English than in British English.
standby — verb
- standbypresent simple I / you / we / they
- standbies3rd person singular
- standbying-ing form
- standbiedpast simple
1. to be physically present in a particular place, especially in a situation that r
to be physically present in a particular place, especially in a situation that requires attention or official observation.
The security officer was asked to standby at the entrance during the ambassador's speech.
pattern: standby at [place]
A court reporter must standby in the courtroom throughout the entire trial.
A delegate from each department will standby near the stage to answer questions from the audience.
The soldiers were ordered to standby at their posts until further notice.
- stand by
the common two-word phrasal verb; less formal
文法句型
standby + at/in/near [place]
用法筆記
This verb sense is formal and relatively rare. In most everyday situations, the phrasal verb stand by (two words) is used instead. The one-word form standby as a verb appears mainly in military, legal, and official contexts.
常見錯誤
2. to prepare yourself or to be in a state of readiness to take action when needed.
to prepare yourself or to be in a state of readiness to take action when needed.
The medical team was told to standby for a possible emergency landing at the airport.
pattern: standby for [event]
The fire brigade will standby to assist if the chemical leak spreads beyond the factory walls.
pattern: standby to [verb]
All available officers were instructed to standby until the situation was fully assessed.
The rescue helicopter crew standby ready to launch within five minutes of receiving a call.
- stand down
to end a state of readiness and return to normal duties
文法句型
standby for [event/action]
standby to do something
用法筆記
The phrasal verb stand by is far more common in everyday English. The one-word form is restricted to formal, institutional, or military-style instructions. When used in imperative form (Standby for launch!), it is a clipped command.
3. to actively support or defend a particular idea, belief, principle, or decision,
to actively support or defend a particular idea, belief, principle, or decision, especially when it is being questioned or attacked.
The senator chose to standby her original proposal despite strong criticism from the opposition party.
pattern: standby + [belief/decision]
Kofi stood by his team's decision, though several board members disagreed.
The newspaper editorial called on readers to standby the principles of free speech and open debate.
The committee decided to standby its earlier ruling after reviewing the new evidence.
文法句型
standby + noun phrase (belief/principle/decision)
用法筆記
The phrasal verb stand by (two words) is the dominant form for this meaning in modern English. The one-word form standby appears mostly in formal written texts and official statements. The object is typically an abstract noun such as belief, principle, decision, or promise.
4. to act in accordance with what a promise, commitment, or agreement requires, doi
to act in accordance with what a promise, commitment, or agreement requires, doing what you said you would do.
The company promised to standby its commitment to reduce carbon emissions by the decade's end.
pattern: standby + [promise/commitment]
Anong stood by her word and returned the money she had borrowed within the agreed time.
Both nations agreed to standby the terms of the peace treaty signed five years ago.
A person who fails to standby a formal contract may face legal consequences.
文法句型
standby + noun phrase (promise/word/agreement)
用法筆記
Distinguish from verb/3: verb/3 is about supporting a belief or decision that is being challenged, while verb/4 is about fulfilling a promise you have already made. This sense is quite formal; in everyday language, keep a promise or honour an agreement are more natural alternatives.
常見錯誤
5. to continue to support someone and remain loyal to them, especially during a dif
to continue to support someone and remain loyal to them, especially during a difficult period when others may abandon them.
Matthew promised to standby his partner through every challenge, no matter how hard things got.
pattern: standby + person (in difficult times)
Her closest friends stood by her when the scandal broke and the media turned against her.
A good leader is someone who will standby their team even when the project hits serious problems.
The old teacher's former students stood by him and helped pay for his medical treatment.
- stand by
the common phrasal verb; correct in all registers
- support
more general; can be emotional, financial, or practical
- stick with
informal; to remain loyal or continue supporting
文法句型
standby + person
用法筆記
The phrasal verb stand by (two words) is the standard form for this meaning in all registers. The one-word verb form is exceptionally rare; learners are strongly advised to use the phrasal verb instead. The object is always a person or group of people.