phrasal verb 'stand for'
Phrasal verbMain meaning
stand for
[stænd fɔːr]
to represent or symbolize something

Other meanings

  • to support or defend something
  • to tolerate something (often in the negative: “not stand for”)

Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "stand for"

  • The letters “UN” stand for United Nations.
  • He stands for justice and equality.
  • I won’t stand for such rude behavior.

Features of Using "stand for"

Separability:Inseparable Transitivity:Transitive Level:B1 Particle:for

Very common in two contexts:

  1. Abbreviations and symbols (“USA stands for United States of America”).
  2. Attitudes or principles (“stand for freedom”).
    Often in the negative to show rejection (“not stand for it”).

Other phrasal verbs with the verb stand

stand-up

stand up

to rise to a standing position
stand-out

stand out

to be noticeable or easily seen or recognized because of being different or better
stand by

stand by

to be ready to help or act if needed