stand for
To mean something, to allow bad behavior, or to try to get elected.
Meanings
To be an abbreviation or symbol for a longer word, name, or idea.
"The letters 'UN' stand for United Nations."
To represent a particular set of values, principles, or beliefs.
"Our organization stands for equality, justice, and human rights."
"Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."
— John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, 1961
To accept or tolerate bad behavior — almost always used in the negative.
"I will not stand for rudeness in this classroom."
(British English) To be a candidate in an election.
"She decided to stand for parliament at the next general election."
The 'abbreviation' sense (e.g., 'NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration') is extremely common and is introduced at A2 level. The 'tolerate' sense is almost always negative. The 'run for election' sense is primarily British English.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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