English Reference
adjective · noun

static

adj. · n.
US /ˈstætɪk/ UK /stˈætɪk/ stat·ic

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.staying the same and not changing or moving.

    adj.characterised by a lack of movement, action, or change; remaining in a fixed state.

    Simple

    The population of the small village has remained static for the last ten years.

    In context

    Economists expressed concern that wages remained static despite the sharp increase in the cost of living over the same period.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    adj.describing parts of a computer program that are fixed before the program starts running.

    adj.pertaining to elements of a program that are fixed at compile-time rather than being determined at runtime.

    Simple

    The developer used a static variable to keep track of how many times the app was opened.

    In context

    By declaring the method as static, the programmer ensured it could be accessed without needing to instantiate the class first.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the crackling noise or fuzzy picture you get on a radio or TV when the signal is bad.

    n.audible or visible interference in a broadcast signal caused by atmospheric disturbances or electromagnetic noise.

    Simple

    There was so much static on the radio that I couldn't hear the news.

    In context

    The old television set produced nothing but grey static, suggesting the antenna had been disconnected during the storm.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    n.an electric charge that builds up on the surface of an object, often giving you a tiny shock.

    n.a stationary electric charge, typically produced by friction, which causes sparks or the attraction of dust or hair.

    Simple

    I got a shock from static after walking across the carpet and touching the door handle.

    In context

    The dry winter air increased the buildup of static, causing the laundry to cling together as it came out of the dryer.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency InformalAmerican EnglishSlang

    n.angry talk, complaints, or trouble from other people.

    n.verbal opposition, criticism, or unwanted interference from others.

    Simple

    The boss gave me a lot of static because I was ten minutes late.

    In context

    The senator expected some static from the opposition, but he was surprised by the level of hostility from his own party members.

Usage static model

That conclusion conflicted with the prevailing view at the time, which held that the universe was static and had remained essentially the same throughout cosmic history.

ScienceDaily· 18 Aug 2026

It had permission for one static and one touring caravan but building work took place between around 2018 and 2022.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

Modern Latin staticus, from Ancient Greek στατικός (statikós), from ἵστημι (hístēmi, “to make stand”). By surface analysis, stasis + -tic.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek στατικός
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated