[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/standby/)

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# standby

noun (standby, standbys); adjective (standby); phrasal verb (stand by)

«standby» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Standby is being ready to be used or to act if needed, as in «on standby». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#m1)
2. A standby is a person or thing kept ready in case it is needed, like a spare. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#m2)
3. Standby mode is when a TV or computer is switched off but still uses a little power, ready to turn on quickly. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#m3)
4. A standby ticket is one bought at the last minute if there is a free seat. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#m4)

### In the lessons

In science and eco lessons, children learn that machines left on standby still use electricity, so switching off at the plug saves energy. In emergencies, rescue teams and ambulances are «on standby». In travel, a passenger on standby waits for a free seat. The two-word verb «stand by» means to wait ready or to support someone.

### Examples

- The TV is on standby, so the red light is on. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#x1)
- Turn off computers at the plug, not just on standby. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#x2)
- The firefighters were on standby during the storm. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#x3)
- We keep candles as a standby in case of a power cut. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#x4)
- We flew on standby and got the last two seats. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#x5)
- Stand by for the next instruction. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#x6)
- A good friend will stand by you. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#x7)
- The doctor was on standby all night. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/#x8)

### Note

One word as a noun or adjective (standby, on standby); two words as a verb (stand by). Plural: standbys. Energy: machines on standby still waste a small amount of electricity all the time.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «standby» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/standby/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«standby» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/standby.html) on Mova free.