Definition

Verb (phrasal verb): - To remain united, loyal, and supportive of one another, especially during difficult times. It implies a strong bond and mutual commitment to staying as a group.

Usage

The phrasal verb "stick together" is used to describe people who maintain their unity and support for each other. It is often used in the context of families, friends, teams, or communities facing challenges. - It functions as an intransitive verb (it does not take a direct object). - It is often used in the imperative mood as advice or encouragement.

Examples

• Basic Usage:
  • The team promised to stick together no matter how tough the competition got.
  • In a crisis, it's important for a community to stick together.
• Imperative Usage (Advice/Encouragement):
  • "Come on, guys, we need to stick together to get through this."
• Past Tense:
  • Despite their differences, the siblings stuck together after their parents passed away.

Advanced Usage

• "to stick together through thick and thin": This is a common collocation that emphasizes unwavering loyalty through all circumstances, both good and bad.
  • True friends are those who stick together through thick and thin.

Variants and Related Words

• Stick (verb): As a standalone verb, it can mean to adhere or to remain fixed in place. The phrasal verb "stick together" derives from this sense of things being joined or not separating.
• Stick by someone (phrasal verb): To continue to support and be loyal to someone.
  • He stuck by his friend during the scandal.

Synonyms

• Remain united: To continue to be together as one group.
• Stand by one another: To be ready to support each other.
• Hold together: To remain intact and united.

Antonyms

• Fall apart: To disintegrate or break into pieces, often used metaphorically for groups.
• Drift apart: To gradually become less close or united.
• Split up: To separate or disband.

Related Idioms

• Band together: To unite in a group for a common purpose.
  • The villagers banded together to rebuild after the storm.
• Hang together: Similar to "stick together," meaning to remain united.
  • If we hang together, we have a better chance of succeeding.

Verb

1. be loyal to one another, especially in times of trouble
   • The two families stuck together throughout the war