Standby Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 5, 2024
"Standby" refers to a state of readiness for immediate action or use, often used in contexts like travel or technology. e.g., The emergency team was on standby for the storm.
Table of Contents
Standby Definitions
Standby is used for something held in reserve.
The team had a standby player for the match.
Standby involves being prepared for potential use.
Emergency services were on standby during the festival.
Standby can refer to a temporary halt or pause.
The project was put on standby until further notice.
Standby denotes a status of being readily available.
The ambulance was on standby during the event.
Standby can describe a waiting status, particularly in travel.
She got a seat on the plane as a standby passenger.
One that can always be relied on, as in an emergency.
One kept in readiness to serve as a substitute.
A mode of operation for a computer, television, or other electronic device in which the power is on and the device is ready for immediate use.
Kept in reserve for use when needed
A standby generator.
Of, relating to, or waiting for unreserved travel space that is made available by an airline only shortly before departure
Standby passengers.
On a standby basis
Flew standby to New York.
A state of readiness without immediate involvement; remaining in preparation for (a sudden or unforeseen event or situation).
The troops were on standby in case of an attack.
(electronics) sleep mode
(travel) Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out.
Something that is standard, well-tested, or frequently used.
That recipe is an old standby, and she keeps the ingredients around in case of unexpected guests.
To wait briefly, as for additional communication by radio or telephone; stand by
Standby while I check that for you.
Something that can be relied on when needed
An actor able to replace a regular performer when required
Ready for emergency use;
A standby generator
A standby crew
Standby means being ready to act or be called into action.
Firefighters are always on standby for urgent calls.
Standby refers to a backup resource or plan.
They had a generator on standby in case of a power outage.
Standby pertains to being in a mode of low power usage.
The computer goes into standby mode when not in use.
Standby describes an auxiliary or secondary position.
The understudy was on standby in case the lead actor was sick.
Standby can mean ready for immediate deployment.
The relief supplies were kept on standby for the disaster area.
Standby Snonyms
Support
Additional help that provides reinforcement.
The team had support staff on standby during the event.
Substitute
A person or thing acting or serving in place of another.
The coach called in a substitute when the player was injured.
Reserve
Kept in case of need or emergency; a backup.
We have a generator in reserve for power outages.
Alternative
Available as another possibility or choice.
Vegan options are available as an alternative for those who don’t consume meat.
Backup
A person or thing that can be called on if necessary; a support.
The IT department provided a backup system to safeguard the data.
Auxiliary
Providing supplementary or additional help and support.
The hospital has an auxiliary power system in case of emergency.
Replacement
A person or thing that takes the place of another.
A replacement part for the machine was ordered immediately.
Relief
Assistance, especially in the form of food, clothing, or money, given to those in special need or difficulty.
Relief workers were on standby to help the flood victims.
Fallback
An alternative plan that may be used in an emergency.
Our fallback plan includes using the old software system.
Contingency
A future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.
The team prepared for any contingency that might affect the project.
Standby Idioms & Phrases
Standby list
A list of individuals waiting for an available opportunity, such as a seat on a flight.
Due to the flight being overbooked, several passengers were put on the standby list.
Standby ticket
A ticket that allows someone to fly on a particular flight if space is available.
I got to the airport early to try to get a standby ticket for the next flight out.
Standby generator
A backup generator that provides power during an outage.
The hospital's standby generator kicked in immediately after the power went out.
Standby arrangements
Preparations made in advance to ensure readiness for future events.
The event organizers made standby arrangements for extra seating.
On standby
Ready to be activated or called upon when needed.
The emergency services were on standby during the storm.
Standby mode
A state of readiness for immediate action without being actively engaged.
The computer goes into standby mode after ten minutes of inactivity.
Standby system
A backup system that is ready to take over the function of the primary system if it fails.
The aircraft is equipped with a standby system for navigation.
Standby support
Assistance that is readily available when needed.
Our IT department provides standby support during weekends.
Standby duty
The responsibility of being ready to work or act immediately, if required.
Firefighters often have shifts where they are on standby duty.
Standby power
The energy used by electronic devices while they are turned off but still plugged in.
Reducing standby power can help lower your electricity bill.
Standby crew
A group of workers ready to work if the regular crew is unavailable.
The standby crew was called in to cover for the sick employees.
Standby passenger
A passenger waiting for a seat on a flight, subject to availability.
As a standby passenger, she had to wait until all ticketed passengers boarded.
Standby rate
A discounted rate for services provided on a standby basis.
Some hotels offer a standby rate for last-minute bookings.
Standby facility
A facility or resource that is available for use in emergencies or when needed.
The community center acts as a standby facility during power outages.
Standby agreement
An arrangement to provide support or resources in an emergency.
The two countries signed a standby agreement for mutual aid during natural disasters.
Standby reserve
Resources kept in readiness for use when needed.
The army has a standby reserve of supplies for critical situations.
Standby capacity
The ability to be utilized or activated if needed.
The power plant has standby capacity in case of high demand.
Standby time
The duration for which a device can remain powered on without being used before it runs out of battery.
The new phone boasts an impressive standby time of up to 30 days.
Standby service
A service that is readily available whenever it is required.
The hotel offers standby service for guests arriving late at night.
Standby letter of credit
A letter of credit issued by a bank to guarantee payment to a beneficiary under specific conditions.
The contractor secured a standby letter of credit to reassure the client of his financial stability.
Standby Example Sentences
The actors waited on standby for their cues.
The hospital had extra staff on standby for the emergency.
We were on standby for our flight all morning.
The technical crew was on standby for any issues.
Volunteers were on standby to help with the charity event.
The power plant remained on standby during the crisis.
Dad kept his tools on standby for quick repairs.
The security team was on standby during the concert.
The sports team had a standby coach for the game.
The mechanic kept a standby vehicle ready at all times.
They kept extra batteries on standby for the camera.
The software update was on standby to be installed.
The standby generator kicked in when the power went out.
Our vacation plans are currently on standby.
The water pump is on standby in case of flooding.
Common Curiosities
How is standby used in a sentence?
"The emergency team was on standby in case the situation worsened."
How do we divide standby into syllables?
Standby is divided into syllables as stand-by.
What is a stressed syllable in standby?
The stressed syllable in "standby" is "stand."
How many syllables are in standby?
There are two syllables in "standby."
What is the verb form of standby?
"Standby" itself is not a verb. It is used as a noun or adjective. The related verb could be "stand by."
What is the root word of standby?
The root words are "stand" and "by," which together form "standby."
What is the pronunciation of standby?
Standby is pronounced as /ˈstænd.baɪ/.
What is the third form of standby?
For the verb phrase "stand by," the third form would also be "stood by."
Why is it called standby?
It is called "standby" because it refers to something or someone being readily available or in a state of readiness to be activated or called upon.
What is the first form of standby?
As a noun or adjective, "standby" does not have verb forms. The related verb phrase "stand by" remains the same in its base form.
What is the plural form of standby?
The plural form is "standbys."
Is standby an adverb?
No, "standby" is not an adverb.
Is the standby term a metaphor?
"Standby" can be used metaphorically to describe a person or resource that is waiting or ready to be utilized.
Is the word standby imperative?
"Standby" as a noun or adjective cannot form an imperative. In the verb form "stand by," it can be imperative, as in "Stand by for further instructions."
Is the word standby Gerund?
"Standby" is not a verb, so it does not have a gerund form. The gerund form of the related verb "stand" would be "standing."
Which determiner is used with standby?
Determiners such as "a," "the," "this," "every," and "no" can be used with "standby," depending on the context.
What is the opposite of standby?
The opposite of "standby" could be "active" or "engaged."
Which vowel is used before standby?
The article "a" is used before "standby" when it functions as a singular noun and starts with a consonant sound.
What is the second form of standby?
For the verb phrase "stand by," the second form would be "stood by."
What part of speech is standby?
"Standby" can be used as a noun (e.g., "a standby generator") or an adjective (e.g., "standby tickets").
What is another term for standby?
Another term for "standby" could be "backup" or "reserve."
Is standby an abstract noun?
As a noun, "standby" is concrete, referring to a specific state or item rather than an abstract concept.
Is standby a negative or positive word?
"Standby" is neutral; its connotation depends on the context in which it is used.
Is standby a vowel or consonant?
The word "standby" starts with the consonant "s."
Is standby a collective noun?
No, "standby" is not typically used as a collective noun.
Which conjunction is used with standby?
Conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "or" can be used with "standby" in compound sentences.
Which article is used with standby?
Both "a" (indefinite) and "the" (definite) can be used with "standby," depending on whether it's being used in a specific or nonspecific context, e.g., "a standby generator" or "the standby system."
What is the singular form of standby?
The singular form is "standby."
Is standby a noun or adjective?
"Standby" can be both a noun and an adjective.
Is standby a countable noun?
When used as a noun, "standby" can be countable (e.g., "There are two standbys available").
Is the word “standby” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Standby" as a noun can be a direct object, as in "We have a standby for emergencies." It is not typically used as an indirect object.
Which preposition is used with standby?
Prepositions like "on" or "in" can be used with "standby," depending on the context, e.g., "on standby" or "in a standby mode."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
