standing
8 synonyms and 4 antonyms for standing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Remaining in effect on an ongoing basis.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use standing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
standing invitation
league standings
legal standing
good standing
Etymology
Came into English as Middle English standynge, stondynge, standende, stondinde, standande or stondande, from Old English standende, stondende, from Proto-Germanic *standandz (“standing”), the present participle of Proto-Germanic *standaną (“to stand”). It is equivalent to stand + -ing.
Full origin of standing →Frequently asked questions
What does “standing” mean?
The word “standing” means remaining in effect on an ongoing basis. In plain terms, being upright or ongoing, or a person's (or team's) rank and reputation.
How do you pronounce “standing”?
“Standing” is pronounced STAN-dihng (/ˈstændɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “standing” in a sentence?
Here is “standing” used in a sentence: “There is a standing invitation for her to visit any time.”
What is the opposite of “standing”?
The opposite of “standing” — its antonyms — are moving and working.
What part of speech is “standing”?
Depending on how it is used, “standing” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “standing” a common word?
“Standing” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “standing” have?
“Standing” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: remaining in effect on an ongoing basis.
What is a standing invitation?
A standing invitation is one that stays open indefinitely, without needing to be repeated. Instead of inviting someone for a single occasion, you tell them they are welcome any time. It remains in effect on an ongoing basis until it is explicitly withdrawn.
What does a standing order mean?
A standing order is an instruction that stays in force until it is cancelled, rather than one carried out just once. In banking it is a regular automatic payment of a fixed amount; more broadly it is any ongoing rule or command that continues to apply.
What is the difference between standing and permanent?
Both describe something lasting, but 'standing' means currently in effect and continuing until changed or cancelled, implying it could be altered. 'Permanent' suggests something intended to last indefinitely, with no expectation of change. A standing arrangement can be ended; a permanent one is meant to be forever.
What is an example of 'standing' used as an adjective?
Common examples include a standing invitation, a standing order, a standing army, and a standing rule. In each case 'standing' means the thing remains permanently in place on an ongoing basis — the army is kept up in peacetime, the rule stays in force until formally changed.
Related words
cause of action
