Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act or position of being upright on one's feet: The state of being in an erect, vertical posture.
   • Position, rank, or status in a system, society, or profession: One's relative position or reputation in a social, financial, or professional hierarchy.
   • Duration or length of time something has existed: The period during which something has continued or been established.

2. Adjective:

   • Erect; in an upright position: Being on one's feet; not sitting or lying down.
   • Permanent, established, or continuing in existence: Not temporary or created for a specific occasion.
   • Not flowing; stagnant: Referring to water or other fluids that are motionless.
   • Performed from or in a standing position: An action initiated while standing upright.
   • Designed to stand upright: Having a base for support.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • His standing was unsteady after the long journey. (His upright posture was unsteady.)
  • She has a high standing in the academic community. (She has a high rank or reputation.)
  • They are friends of long standing. (They are friends of long duration.)

• Adjective:

  • The standing audience gave a rousing cheer. (The audience that was on its feet gave a cheer.)
  • The standing committee meets monthly. (The permanent committee meets monthly.)
  • Avoid drinking standing water. (Avoid drinking stagnant, non-flowing water.)
  • He won the race from a standing start. (He won the race starting from an upright position.)
  • We bought a standing lamp for the corner. (We bought a lamp designed to stand on the floor.)

Advanced Usage

• "In good standing": Having a current, valid, and reputable status within a group or organization.
  • To vote, you must be a member in good standing.
• "Standing room only": A situation where all seats are sold, so only space to stand is available.
  • The concert was so popular it was standing room only.

Variants and Related Words

• Stand (verb/noun): The root verb meaning to be in or rise to an upright position, or a structure for holding something.
• Long-standing (adjective): Having existed for a long time.
  • They have a long-standing agreement.

Synonyms

• Noun (Status): Rank, stature, reputation, position.
• Adjective (Permanent): Permanent, ongoing, regular, established.
• Adjective (Upright): Erect, vertical, on one's feet.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A standing invitation": A permanent, open invitation.
  • You have a standing invitation to visit us anytime.
• "Take a standing": To adopt a position or opinion on an issue.
  • The company was forced to take a standing on the new regulations.

Adjective

1. permanent
   • a standing army
2. (of persons) on the feet; having the torso in an erect position supported by straight legs
   • standing room only
3. executed in or initiated from a standing position
   • race from a standing start
   • a standing jump
   • a standing ovation
4. (of fluids) not moving or flowing
   • mosquitoes breed in standing water
5. not created for a particular occasion
   • a standing committee
6. having a supporting base
   • a standing lamp

Noun

1. the act of assuming or maintaining an erect upright position
2. an ordered listing of scores or results showing the relative positions of competitors (individuals or teams) in a sporting event
3. social or financial or professional status or reputation
   • of equal standing
   • a member in good standing