still

The word “still” means not moving; calm and motionless. In plain terms, depending on context: not moving, continuing as before, a distilling device, or a single photo frame.

“Still” is pronounced STIHL (/ˈstɪl/ in IPA).

Here is “still” used in a sentence: “The lake was perfectly still at dawn.”

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

The word “still” comes from Old English. From Old English stille ("motionless, quiet"), from a very old Indo-European root meaning "to be silent or still" — related to "stall".

“Still” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Still” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not moving; calm and motionless.

'Still' emphasises the absence of movement, so nothing stirs, as in still water or a still figure. 'Calm' emphasises the absence of agitation or disturbance, whether in weather, a situation, or a person's mood. Something can be perfectly still yet not calm, but the two often overlap to describe a peaceful, settled state.

No. As an adjective, 'still' means motionless or calm, as in 'still water.' As an adverb, it usually means 'up to now' or 'even so,' as in 'she is still waiting.' They share a spelling but carry unrelated meanings, so the context of the sentence tells you which sense applies.

'The lake was completely still at dawn' describes water without a ripple. 'He stood still' means he stopped moving entirely. 'Keep the camera still' asks you to hold it steady. In each case, 'still' points to the absence of motion rather than to time or continuation.

The opposite depends on the sense. When 'still' means motionless, its opposites are 'moving,' 'active,' or 'restless.' When it suggests a calm, undisturbed surface or scene, opposites include 'turbulent,' 'agitated,' or 'choppy.' A rushing river is the natural contrast to still, undisturbed water.