Phrasal verb
stand for
Meanings
to represent or be a symbol of something; to mean something
to support certain beliefs or principles; to defend what you believe is right
Definition
To stand for something means to represent it or to mean it.
When something stands for something else, it represents it or is a symbol of it. You can also use it to ask what letters or an abbreviation mean. In another common meaning, to stand for something is to support certain ideas or principles and not accept the opposite.
Examples
- What does NATO stand for?
- This white dove stands for peace in the painting.
- I won’t stand for rude behavior in my classroom.
- She refuses to stand for gossip at work.
- They stand for equal access in their community group.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "stand for" (mean/represent) with "stand up for" (defend/support someone or something).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.