standby

[ˈstændbaɪ]

standby Definition

• 1. a state of readiness to act or be called upon at a moment's notice
• 2. a person or thing that is available to perform a particular function as and when required

Using standby: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "standby" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The ambulance was on standby in case of any emergency.

• Example

  We have a standby generator in case of a power outage.

• Example

  The flight was overbooked, so I had to wait on standby for the next one.

• Example

  I'll be your standby if you need any help.

standby Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for standby

• backup
• reserve
• substitute
• replacement
• stand-in

Antonyms for standby

• unavailable
• busy

Idioms Using standby

• on standby

  ready and waiting for something to happen

  Example

  I'm on standby for the job interview, waiting for them to call me back.

• keep someone on standby

  to keep someone ready and waiting to do something

  Example

  We're keeping a lawyer on standby in case we need legal advice.

• put something on standby

  to temporarily stop using or working on something

  Example

  I put my project on standby while I worked on other things.

Phrases with standby

• on standby

  in a state of readiness to act or be called upon at a moment's notice

  Example

  The fire department is always on standby in case of an emergency.

• standby mode

  a low-power mode that electronic devices enter when they are not in use but are still connected to a power source

  Example

  My computer automatically goes into standby mode after a period of inactivity.

• standby ticket

  a ticket for a flight that is not guaranteed, but allows the passenger to board if there are any available seats after all confirmed passengers have boarded

  Example

  I got a standby ticket for the next flight, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get on.

Origins of standby

from 'stand' + 'by'

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Summary: standby in Brief

The term 'standby' [ˈstændbaɪ] refers to a state of readiness to act or be called upon at a moment's notice. It can refer to a person or thing that is available to perform a particular function as and when required. Examples include an ambulance on standby, a standby generator, and a standby ticket. Idioms like 'on standby' and 'keep someone on standby' denote readiness and waiting, while 'put something on standby' means to temporarily stop using or working on something.