standing

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.

“Standing” is pronounced STAN-dihng (/ˈstændɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “standing” used in a sentence: “There is a standing invitation for her to visit any time.”

The opposite of “standing” — its antonyms — are moving and working.

Depending on how it is used, “standing” can be an adjective and a noun.

“Standing” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

“Standing” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: remaining in effect on an ongoing basis.

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 It remains in effect on an ongoing basis until it is explicitly withdrawn.

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.

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.

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.