be still (A2)

verb phrase

Pronunciation: /biː stɪl/

Definition

Remain motionless or quiet, often to avoid detection or to allow a delicate process to occur.

Examples

• The doctor asked the patient to be still while she checked his blood pressure.

• If you be still in the woods, the deer might come closer to you.

• The sculpture required the model to be still for several hours at a time.

How to Use be still

be still + while + clause (imperative)

Used to instruct someone to remain motionless during a specific duration. — "Be still while I take your photo."

be still + for + duration (infinitive)

Used to describe the requirement of remaining motionless for a purpose. — "He had to be still for the portrait."

Synonyms of be still

Words with a similar meaning to be still:

• wait
• stay
• freeze
• remain
• immobile

Antonyms of be still

Words with the opposite meaning to be still:

• move
• fidget

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