ENGLISH
REFERENCE

remain

v.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ɹiˈmeɪn// UK //ɹɪmˈeɪn// re·main Archaic General-service

v. to stay in the same place or keep being in the same condition. You use this when something does not change or move away.

v. to continue to exist or stay in a particular place or state. Often functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective or noun phrase.


SIMPLE

Please remain in your seats until the plane stops.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the heavy rain and strong winds, the old stone bridge managed to remain standing.

COMPLEX

While many aspects of the local economy have modernized, the traditional fishing methods remain the primary source of income for the coastal villages.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English remainen, from Old French remain-, stressed stem of remanoir, from Latin remaneō, maneō, from Proto-Indo-European *men- (“to stay”). Displaced native Middle English beliven, bliven (“to remain”) (from Old English belīfan (“to remain, stay”)) due to confluence with related Middle English beleven (“to leave behind”), with which it merged. More at beleave and belive.

Usage

Can be used as an intransitive verb or as a copular (linking) verb followed by a complement.

Pitfall

He remains to be happyHe remains happyWhen used as a linking verb to describe a state, it is followed directly by an adjective, not an infinitive phrase.

Idioms1 entry

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