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stand on

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌstænd ˈɑn/ · UK /ˌstænd ˈɒn/

stand on means: To insist that people follow traditional rules of polite behaviour or give you proper respect.

verb

INSIST ON FORMALITYC1

To insist that people follow traditional rules of polite behaviour or give you proper respect.

  • Please don't stand on ceremony.
  • The ambassador stood on protocol and expected a formal welcome.
  • She never stands on dignity when practical help is needed.

How to use it: stand on something (Our host does not stand on ceremony.)

Similar words: insist on, observe

Common phrases: stand on ceremony, stand on dignity, stand on formalities

KEEP COURSEC2

For a ship, to keep moving in the same direction.

  • The ship stood on toward the harbour.
  • The captain ordered us to stand on despite the fog.
  • We stood on under sail until the coast appeared.

Similar words: hold course, continue

Common phrases: stand on northward, stand on steadily, stand on toward something

Questions about stand on

What does stand on mean?

To insist that people follow traditional rules of polite behaviour or give you proper respect.

What is stand on in other languages?

Türkçe: resmiyete önem vermek · Español: insistir en las formalidades · Français: s'attacher aux formalités · Deutsch: auf Förmlichkeiten bestehen · Italiano: badare alle formalità · 日本語: 形式にこだわる

How do you pronounce stand on?

In American English /ˌstænd ˈɑn/; in British English /ˌstænd ˈɒn/.

How do you use stand on in a sentence?

Please don't stand on ceremony. The ambassador stood on protocol and expected a formal welcome.

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stand on in other languages

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