Stay
/steɪ/noun
To remain in the same place or condition; to continue or delay leaving.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from a Germanic root meaning “to stand,” which is why its oldest sense is less about lounging and more about holding your ground.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*steh₂-
“to stand, place oneself”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*stagjaną
“to support, make stand, place”
Old English
OE
stæg(e)an / stægan
“to support, prop up; keep in place”
Middle English
ME
steyen / stayen
“to support, delay, remain”
Modern English
English
stay
“to remain in place; to continue in a state”
Explore more surprising origins