What does "standby" mean?
A state of readiness without immediate involvement; remaining in preparation for (a sudden or unforeseen event or situation).
Standby
/ˈstændˌbaɪ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A state of readiness without immediate involvement; remaining in preparation for (a sudden or unforeseen event or situation).
- Grammar: standby is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: abettor, admirer, advocate, aficionado.
- Useful contrasts: activation, active, deployed.
- Usage evidence: Just my old standby: lemon chicken.
How to use "standby"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "standby" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "standby" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "standby" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "standby" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "standby" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abettor" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "standby", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A state of readiness without immediate involvement; remaining in preparation for (a sudden or unforeseen event or situation). countable, uncountable
"The troops were on standby in case of an attack."
- 2 something that can be relied on when needed wordnet
- 3 A replacement kept on standby. countable, uncountable
"During three weeks of the run, I was performing with walking pneumonia, but I had no choice other than to perform because we didn't have the budget for stand-bys."
- 4 an actor able to replace a regular performer when required wordnet
- 5 Sleep mode. countable, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out. countable, uncountable
- 7 Something that is standard, well-tested, or frequently used. countable, uncountable
"That recipe is an old standby, and she keeps the ingredients around in case of unexpected guests."
Verb
- 1 To wait briefly, as for additional communication by radio or telephone; alternative form of stand by. nonstandard, proscribed
"Standby while I check that for you."
Adjective
- 1 ready for emergency use wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Just my old standby: lemon chicken."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "standby"?
Common synonyms include: abettor, admirer, advocate, aficionado, alternate, angel.
How do you use "standby" in a sentence?
Just my old standby: lemon chicken.
How do you pronounce "standby"?
Pronounced /ˈstændˌbaɪ/.
Etymology
Deverbal from stand by.