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Standby for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'stænd,baɪ

What does Standby really mean?

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Standby is a word that we hear or come across quite frequently in our everyday lives. But what does it really mean? Well, imagine you're waiting for the bus to arrive. You check your watch and see that it's not yet time for the bus to be there. So what do you do? You wait. You are on standby, ready for the bus to arrive. It's like being in a holding pattern, not quite moving forward, but not completely stationary either. You're there, alert and ready for action.

In a broader sense, standby means being in a state of readiness or preparedness. It's like being on high alert, ready to jump into action when needed. For example, have you ever heard flight attendants say "Please remain seated with your seatbelt fastened while we're on the ground, as we might need to evacuate the aircraft in an emergency"? They want you to be on standby, prepared to follow their instructions and act quickly if necessary.

Standby can also refer to a backup or alternative option. Have you ever had a power outage at home and your parents switched on the generator? The generator is on standby, ready to provide electricity when the main power source fails. It's like having a Plan B. So, standby can mean having something at the ready as a backup.

Another way to think about standby is like being on hold during a phone call. You know when you call a customer service line and they say "please stay on the line, an operator will be with you shortly"? Well, while you're waiting for the operator to assist you, you are on standby. You're patiently waiting for your turn, staying engaged and ready to talk once they pick up the call.

In summary, standby means being in a state of readiness, prepared to take action or waiting as an alternative or backup option. It's like being on hold for a phone call, ready for whatever comes next. So whether it's waiting for the bus, being on high alert for an emergency, relying on a backup plan, or patiently waiting on the phone, being on standby means being ready to go when the time comes.

Revised and Fact checked by Robert Williams on 2023-10-28 21:30:10

Standby In a sentece

Learn how to use Standby inside a sentece

  • When you're waiting for a bus and it hasn't arrived yet, you are in standby.
  • When you're at a restaurant and there are no tables available, you may have to wait in standby until one becomes free.
  • If you're waiting for your turn to use the computer in the library, you're in standby until it's available.
  • Imagine you're waiting for your favorite TV show to start, but it's not time yet. You are in standby mode.
  • When you're waiting for your friend to finish their phone call so you can talk to them, you are on standby until they're done.

Standby Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Standby Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Standby Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.