What Does Still Mean

What Does "Still" Mean? Unraveling the Nuances of a Simple Word

The word "still" seems deceptively simple. We use it casually in everyday conversation, yet its meaning can subtly shift depending on the context. Understanding its various applications is key to both effective communication and deeper comprehension of language. This article will explore the multifaceted nature of "still," clarifying its different meanings and providing practical examples to solidify understanding.

1. Still as an Adverb Indicating Continuation

This is perhaps the most common usage of "still." Here, "still" signifies that an action, state, or condition persists despite the passage of time or the occurrence of other events. It indicates a continuation or persistence.

Example 1: "It's raining still." This means the rain hasn't stopped; it continues to rain.
Example 2: "She's still working on the project." This indicates that the work continues, perhaps despite obstacles or a long duration.
Example 3: "He's still angry about what happened." His anger persists, even after some time has passed.

Notice that in these examples, "still" modifies a verb (raining, working, is) or an adjective (angry), emphasizing the ongoing nature of the described situation.

2. Still as an Adverb Indicating a State of Quiet or Calm

In this sense, "still" describes a state of quietness, stillness, or immobility. It often describes a lack of movement or noise.

Example 1: "Please be still." This requests quiet and immobility.
Example 2: "The lake lay still under the moonlight." This describes the calmness and lack of movement on the lake's surface.
Example 3: "He stood still as a statue." This emphasizes the complete lack of movement.

Here, "still" describes the state of being quiet or motionless, acting as an adverb modifying a verb or the entire sentence.

3. Still as an Adjective Meaning Unmoving or Motionless

"Still" can also function as an adjective, describing something that is unmoving or motionless. This usage is less common than the adverbial forms but still important to recognize.

Example 1: "A still life painting." This refers to a painting of inanimate objects.
Example 2: "The still waters reflected the sky." The adjective "still" directly modifies "waters," describing their unmoving state.
Example 3: "He remained still, hoping the deer wouldn't notice him." Here, "still" describes his unmoving posture.

4. Still as a Noun: A Photographic Still or a Distilled Spirit

While less frequent in everyday conversation, "still" can also function as a noun. It can refer to a single photograph from a movie or video, or to a type of alcoholic beverage.

Example 1: "The director chose a powerful still from the film for the poster." This refers to a single, unmoving image.
Example 2: "She preferred a still to a mixed drink." Here, "still" refers to an alcoholic beverage without added carbonation.

5. Still in Idiomatic Expressions

"Still" appears in various idiomatic expressions where its meaning is less literal and more figurative. Understanding these idioms is crucial for comprehending their intended meaning. Examples include: "still waters run deep" (suggesting hidden depths in a seemingly calm person), and "standing still" (meaning not progressing or making advancements).

Actionable Takeaways and Key Insights

The word "still" possesses a surprising depth of meaning, ranging from simple continuation to complex figurative expressions. Understanding its grammatical function (adverb, adjective, or noun) within a sentence is key to accurate interpretation. Pay attention to the context and surrounding words to determine the precise meaning of "still" in any given situation.

FAQs

1. What's the difference between "still" and "yet"? "Still" emphasizes the continuation of a state or action, while "yet" suggests expectation of something happening in the future. "He's still working" implies ongoing work; "He hasn't finished yet" implies the work is expected to finish soon.

2. Can "still" be used in formal writing? Absolutely. Its use depends on the context and desired tone.

3. Is "still" always an adverb? No. As discussed, it can also function as an adjective and a noun.

4. How can I improve my understanding of "still"? Practice identifying its usage in various sentences and contexts. Pay close attention to how its meaning subtly changes depending on the surrounding words.

5. Are there any synonyms for "still"? Depending on the context, synonyms might include: continues, yet, motionless, quiet, calm, stagnant, unmoving, etc. The best synonym will always depend on the specific nuance intended.

Search Results:

still, adj. & n.² meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English … What does the word still mean? There are 28 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word still, 12 of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. …

Still - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms - Vocabulary.com If something is quiet and calm, it's still. After the noise of the city, it's peaceful to go camping in the woods where everything is still.

still | meaning of still in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary … the still waters of the lake 2 PEACEFUL quiet and calm The house was completely still. 3 HEM not windy a hot still day 4 British English DFD a still drink does not contain gas still or sparkling …

STILL definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary 17 meanings: 1. motionless; stationary 2. undisturbed or tranquil; silent and calm 3. not sparkling or effervescent 4. gentle.... Click for more definitions.

STILL Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster 21 May 2011 · The meaning of STILL is devoid of or abstaining from motion. How to use still in a sentence. devoid of or abstaining from motion; sedentary; not effervescent…

Still Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary STILL meaning: 1 : happening or existing before now and continuing into the present used to say that an action or condition continues; 2 : in spite of that used to say that something happens or is true …

Still - definition of still by The Free Dictionary still 1 (stĭl) adj. still·er, still·est 1. a. Not moving or in motion: The patient must be still for the doctor to work. b. Free from disturbance, agitation, or commotion: the still waters of the lake. c. Of or …

still adverb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes ... (still) in short trousers; a/the still small voice (still) wet behind the ears; be still/back in the game; the jury is (still) out on something; See more Idioms. much/still less; it's still early days; still waters run …

What does STILL mean? - Definitions.net Meaning of STILL. What does STILL mean? Information and translations of STILL in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Login . The STANDS4 Network. ...

STILL | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary STILL definition: 1. continuing to happen or continuing to be done: 2. despite that: 3. to an even greater degree…. Learn more.

What Does Still Mean