stillstill2 ●●● S3 adjective 
not moving: 
We stood still and watched as the deer came closer. Keep still while I tie your shoe. the still waters of the lake2quiet and calm: The house was completely still.3not windy: a hot still day4British English a still drink does not contain gas: still or sparkling mineral water5still waters run deep used to say that someone who is quiet may have very strong feelings or a lot of knowledge—stillness noun [uncountable]: Somewhere in the stillness of the night, an owl hooted.
WORD ORIGINstill2
Origin:
Old English stilleEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a still pond
- a hot, still, airless day
- Anna looked out across the still waters of the lake.
- Everything was very still inside the little chapel. Nothing broke the silence.
- For once, the house was completely still.
- It was a long, hot, still September afternoon.
- Keep still while I tie your shoes.
- Percy was so thrilled he could hardly sit still.
- There was no wind and the trees were completely still.
- Would you like that still or sparkling, madam?
- It was another still island day and I could hear the sounds of a motorbike and chainsaw on the mainland.
- The memory was a series of still images, a film broken down to components.
Longman Language Activatordrinks that contain gas or do not contain gas
also fizzy British carbonated or fizzy drinks have gas in them: · fizzy lemonade· I don't like fizzy drinks much.· I'd like a glass of carbonated mineral water, please.
sparkling water or wine has gas in it: · a sweet, sparkling wine· a bottle of sparkling mineral water
British /uncarbonated American still or uncarbonated drinks, especially water, do not have gas in them: · Would you like that still or sparkling, madam?
if a drink that should contain gas is flat , there is no gas left in and it is not pleasant to drink: · I don't know why some English people prefer flat beer.go flat: · That champagne must have gone flat by now.
not moving not moving - use this especially about people who are not moving, or about places where there is no wind: · There was no wind and the trees were completely still.still water: · Anna looked out across the still waters of the lake.keep/stand/sit still: · Keep still while I tie your shoes.· Percy was so thrilled he could hardly sit still.
: stationary car/vehicle/truck/traffic a car, vehicle etc that is not moving: · The truck swerved and hit a stationary vehicle.· a four-mile queue of stationary traffic
if traffic is at a standstill it is not moving. If rail or bus services are at a standstill they have stopped operating: · Traffic was at a standstill on the motorway.bring something to a standstill (=make it stop moving or operating): · A severe storm brought rail services to a standstill yesterday.
not moving because there is no wind: dead calm (=completely calm): · The sea was dead calm.calm night/evening etc: · The night was calm and warm.· It was a calm, clear, beautiful day.
completely still - used especially in literature: · Four motionless figures stood on the pier.stand/sit/remain motionless: · I could see my father standing motionless in the doorway.· Kemp sat motionless as the verdict was read.
not moving or not able to move, especially because of fear or tiredness: · Brigg was immobile, his eyes fixed on the horizon.immobile with: · I stood there, immobile with terror.
to be unable to move from the place where you are standing or sitting because you are very frightened, surprised, or interested by something that is happening: be glued to the TV/your chair etc: · Dad was glued to the TV all day long.· We were glued to our chairs and listening intently to every word.be glued/rooted to the spot: · I was rooted to the spot, unable to take my eyes off the strange creature.
to be completely still, especially because you are frightened or because you do not want someone to see you: · She hid behind the door, not moving a muscle.· I didn't dare move a muscle. He would have shot me.
what you say to tell someone not to move · Don't move or they'll see us.· Don't move. I'll be back in five minutes.
used to tell someone not to change position or not to move any part of their body: · If you can't keep still, how can I cut your hair?· Can you keep still for a minute, Kim?· Be quiet and stay still.
used especially by police officers to tell someone to stop moving and stand completely still: · "Freeze! Drop your weapons!" shouted the policeman.
used to tell someone not to go anywhere: · Stay where you are! Don't come any closer.· I'm going to look for a telephone. You stay right where you are until I come back.
peaceful if a place or situation is peaceful, it makes you feel calm and relaxed because there is no unpleasant noise or activity: · Langcliffe is a peaceful little village.· It's so nice and peaceful here.· After a career as a journalist, she was looking forward to a happy and peaceful retirement.
if a place is calm, there is no violence or excited activity there, especially after a period when there has been violence or excitement: · After yesterday's fighting, the region is now calm again.· Once on board, you can relax in calm, comfortable surroundings.
a quiet place or time is one without much activity, noise, or excitement, or without many people: · Since the last big outbreak of fighting six days ago, the city has been strangely quiet.· The roads are usually pretty quiet at this time of day.a quiet night/evening in (=an evening at home, rather than going out): · Let's have a nice quiet evening in, for a change.a quiet life: · While he liked to go out partying, she wanted a quiet life.
a sleepy town or village is a quiet, peaceful one, where there is very little to do and exciting things do not usually happen: · Ten years ago, this was a sleepy fishing village.· She headed for the High Street, the only lively spot in the sleepy little town.
a place that is tranquil is pleasantly quiet and makes you feel relaxed: · In summer, the normally calm, tranquil streets fill with crowds of tourists.· Efforts are being made to make life more tranquil in Japan's noisy and overcrowded cities.
a restful time or place is a quiet and relaxing one: · I'm looking forward to a quiet, restful summer vacation.· Her suite of rooms was cool and restful.· He woke after a long, restful sleep, feeling refreshed.
without wind, movement, or noise: · It was a long, hot, still September afternoon.· Everything was very still inside the little chapel. Nothing broke the silence.
WORD SETSabsinth, nounalcohol, nounale, nounalehouse, nounaperitif, nounbaby milk, nounbar, nounbarfly, nounbarhop, verbbarkeeper, nounbarley wine, nounbarmaid, nounbarman, nounbartender, nounbeef tea, nounbeer, nounbenedictine, nounbeverage, nounbibulous, adjectivebistro, nounbitter, nounblack, adjectivebootleg, verbbooze, nounboozer, nounbooze-up, nounboozing, nounboozy, adjectivebottle, verbbouquet, nounbourbon, nounbrandy, nounbreathe, verbbrew, verbbrew, nounbrewer, nounbrewery, nounbroach, verbBuck's Fizz, nounburgundy, nounbuttermilk, nouncamomile, nouncappuccino, nouncarbonated, adjectivecask, nouncellar, nounchalice, nounchampagne, nounchampers, nounchar, nounchartreuse, nounchaser, nounChelsea bun, nounchocolate, nouncider, nounclaret, nounclub soda, nouncoaster, nounCoca-Cola, cocktail, nouncocktail lounge, nouncocktail shaker, nouncocktail stick, nouncocktail waitress, nouncocoa, nouncoffee, nouncoffee bar, nouncoffee bean, nouncoffee machine, nouncoffeemaker, nouncoffee mill, nouncognac, nouncola, nounconsommé, nouncordial, nouncork, nouncork, verbcorkage, nouncorked, adjectivecorkscrew, nouncorn whiskey, nouncrème de menthe, nouncup, nouncuppa, nouncuraçao, noundaiquiri, noundecaf, noundecaffeinated, adjectivedecanter, noundessert wine, noundipsomaniac, noundissipated, adjectivedissipation, noundissolute, adjectivedistiller, noundistillery, noundram, noundraught, noundregs, noundried milk, noundrink, verbdrink, noundrinkable, adjectivedrinking fountain, noundrinking-up time, noundrinking water, noundrinks machine, noundrinks party, noundrop, noundry, adjectiveDutch courage, nounespresso, nounethyl alcohol, nounferment, verbfinger, nounfizz, nounflat, adjectivefloat, nounfortified wine, nounfroth, nounfroth, verbfrothy, adjectivefull-cream, adjectiveGandT, noungassy, adjectivegin, noungin and tonic, nounginger ale, nounginger beer, nounglass, noungreen tea, noungrenadine, noungrog, noungumbo, nounhalf, nounhalf-and-half, nounhangover, nounhappy hour, nounhead, nounhighball, nounhip flask, nounhock, nounhogshead, nounhome brew, nounhooch, nounhot chocolate, nounice bucket, nounice cube, nounice water, nouninfuse, verbinfusion, nounintoxicant, nounintoxicating, adjectiveIrish coffee, nounjar, nounjigger, nounjuice, nounkeg, nounkirsch, nounlace, verblager, nounlandlord, nounlemon, nounlemonade, nounlicensed, adjectivelicensing laws, nounlight, adjectivelight ale, nounlimeade, nounliqueur, nounliquor, nounlite, adjectivelocal, nounlounge bar, nounMadeira, nounmagnum, nounmalt, nounmalted, nounmalt liquor, nounmaraschino, nounmargarita, nounMartini, nounmash, nounmature, adjectivemature, verbmead, nounmeasure, nounmellow, verbmilk, nounmilk shake, nounmilky, adjectivemineral water, nounmint julep, nounmix, verbmixer, nounmocha, nounmoonshine, nounmulled wine, nounneat, adjectivenectar, nounnightcap, nounnip, nounnoggin, nounnon-alcoholic, adjectiveoff-licence, nounopen bar, nounorangeade, nounouzo, nounpale ale, nounparalytic, adjectivepasteurized, adjectivepercolate, verbperk, verbperry, nounpick-me-up, nounpiña colada, nounpink gin, nounpint, nounplonk, nounpop, nounport, nounporter, nounprohibitionist, nounproof, nounpunch, nounquaff, verbrake, nounrat-arsed, adjectivered, nounrefill, nounrefreshment, nounretsina, nounring-pull, nounroot beer, nounrosé, nounrotgut, nounrum, nounrye, nounsake, nounsaloon, nounsangria, nounsarsaparilla, nounschnapps, nounScotch, nounscrewdriver, nounscrumpy, nounsediment, nounsemi-skimmed milk, nounshake, nounshaker, nounshandy, nounshebeen, nounsherry, nounshort, nounshot, nounsiphon, nounsix-pack, nounskimmed milk, nounslimline, adjectivesloe gin, nounslug, nounslush, nounsnifter, nounsoda, nounsoda siphon, nounsoda water, nounsoft drink, nounsparkling, adjectivespeakeasy, nounspike, verbspirit, nounsplash, nounspritzer, nounsquash, nounstein, nounstewed, adjectivestill, adjectivestill, nounstout, nounstraight, adjectivestraw, nounsundowner, nounsup, verbswig, verbswill, verbswizzle stick, nountab, nountable wine, nountall, adjectivetankard, nountavern, nountea, nounteabag, nounteahouse, nountea leaves, nountearoom, nountea shop, nountea urn, nountemperance, nountequila, nountied house, nountippler, nountoddy, nountonic, nountop-up, nountot, nounTurkish coffee, nountwo-percent milk, nounUHT milk, noununcork, verbvermouth, nounvintage, adjectivevintage, nounvintner, nounvodka, nounwater, verbwatering hole, nounweak, adjectivewet bar, nounwhisky, nounwhite, adjectivewine cooler, nounwrecked, adjectiveyeast, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY We stood still and watched as the deer came closer. Keep still while I tie your shoe. the still waters of the lake a hot still day Somewhere in the stillness of the night, an owl hooted.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES My grandparents are still alive. It was even better than last year. How can I cut your hair if you won’t keep still! She would lie awake worrying. Cheer up. At least you’re still in one piece. Stand still (=do not move) and listen to me. Time seems to have stood still in this lovely hotel. I’m still undecided about how I’ll vote. Suppose Rose, or worse still, Peter had seen the photograph?COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
We stood still and watched as the deer came closer. Keep still while I tie your shoe. the still waters of the lake a hot still day Somewhere in the stillness of the night, an owl hooted. (=air in which there is no wind)· Smoke from the chimneys hung in the still air.
My grandparents are still alive. It was even better than last year.· The room was dead quiet while we waited for Ted to reply.
· Even though we’re completely different, we’re still friends.
(=existing in the past and continuing to exist)· A number of his early photographs still exist.
How can I cut your hair if you won’t keep still! She would lie awake worrying. Cheer up. At least you’re still in one piece. (=still have a chance of winning)· Swindon Town is still in the race, despite losing to Manchester City on Saturday.
(=without moving)· Young children find it almost impossible to sit still.
Stand still (=do not move) and listen to me. Time seems to have stood still in this lovely hotel. I’m still undecided about how I’ll vote. Suppose Rose, or worse still, Peter had seen the photograph?· Sit yourself down, or better still go into the sitting-room.· But perhaps the early evening was better still?· Getting a cheap company loan, if available, is better still.· It will be even better still.
· We kept very still inside and in the end we could hear them slowly going down the stairs and going away.· It was very still, with the landscape painted in shades of smoke.· The air was very still and drops of dew were poised in perfect globes on blades of grass and leaves.· He was very still, as if he was weighing up what she'd said.
NOUN· They twirled just fine in a breeze, but dropped like an arrow if released carefully in still air.· The notes floated in the still air, strong and clear.· Red maple seeds, on the other hand, twirled even when released in still air.· The wind had dropped but the still air winced with frost.· Smoke rose from several chimneys, straight blue columns in the still air, signs of habitation.· The lights on the scaffolding shone, unwinking in the still air.
· This format uses an electronic camera that stores up to 50 still images on a tiny floppy disk.· This, in turn, can move into still image work.· Three still images to encapsulate the key moments in your story.· They have created a still image showing work down the pit - but one child can't stop giggling.· The questions which are asked about a still image tell us a great deal about the narrative interest in that image.
· Western popular prints and Soviet official art both displayed a penchant for landscapes, flower pieces, still lifes and genre.· The fifty-two year old Berlin artist's work is characterised by highly unconventional still lifes.· These apocalyptic still lifes emphasise more strongly than the earlier work Christa Dichgans' preoccupation with the psychic reality of objects.· The Horta still lifes show the same combination of complexity and lucidity.· Cowie, she insists, used the same rubber apple for batches of his still lifes.· More important was the introduction of illusionistic nails into three still lifes of early 1910.
· It was a hot, still night, and I left the windows open.· Then an agonising cry rent the still night.· On either side of us stood two perfectly trimmed orange trees, their light citrus oils flavoring the still night air.· Blue smoke trembled on the still night air.· It was a still night and the tall trees stood silently against the stars.
· Bone samples in uniform temperature conditions Glacial varves Analysis of accumulation of annual layers accreted in still water.· Soft light beginning to shimmer on the still water.· In short, this plant needs nearly still water.· I think of it more as a diving into still water.· The floor was dark green and shiny like a sheet of still water, and everything else was white.
· Lead me beside the still waters.· Here the magnificent oaks and beeches are twice graced by their reflections in the still waters of the lake.· He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.· Beside the still waters of the Serpentine she lay down and slept.· Once at the 1,000 Island Resort region, embark on a cruise aboard the lake's still waters.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► the jury is (still) out on something
1- The average person is unlikely to pick up this type of book, much less read it.
- Equally, science would be much less advanced than it is if the only available data were intuitive estimates of quantities.
- Half a century earlier his behaviour would have seemed much more normal and aroused much less criticism.
- In the end, the tax brought in much less revenue than originally forecast.
- On the battlefield armament was still much less important than discipline and fighting spirit.
- She could not afford the bus fare to see a doctor, much less his fee.
- The grouping of other languages of the world-and even of their number-is much less clear.
- There is not much chance of finding a razor blade, much less using it in the appropriate way.
- There was to be no pause for reflection, nor - much less - for a changeover from military to civilian rule.
- Could you stand still for just a minute and listen to me?
- Space technology has not stood still.
- But, although Ashley stood still and wary, her son showed no inhibitions.
- I stood still, right where I was, eavesdropping.
- I have stood still instead of fighting on her side as I did in the basement in Lobethal.
- I seemed to be standing still.
- She stood still, all amazed.
- She stood still, savouring the accumulation of days of her life behind her like beads on a string, something tangible.
- The law has not been standing still since Jorden v. Money.
- The young woman stood still, waiting and smiling: small as a child in her glimmering white silk.
not moving: We stood still and watched as the deer came closer. Keep still while I tie your shoe. the still waters of the lake2quiet and calm: The house was completely still.3not windy: a hot still day4British English a still drink does not contain gas: still or sparkling mineral water5still waters run deep used to say that someone who is quiet may have very strong feelings or a lot of knowledge—stillness noun [uncountable]: Somewhere in the stillness of the night, an owl hooted.