stick
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A long, thin piece of wood.
To attach or become fixed in place; to remain loyal; to tolerate; a slang term for gear shift or airplane control column.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning shifts dramatically between noun (object) and verb (action/adhere). As a noun, it often implies a simple, natural object. As a verb, it implies a persistent or forceful connection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: 'gear stick' (car). US: 'gear shift' or 'stick shift'. UK: 'cane' for a walking aid is more common. US: 'stick' more often implies a branch or piece of wood.
Connotations
UK: 'Stick' can imply criticism ('get some stick'). US: More likely to imply loyalty ('stick with someone').
Frequency
The verb form ('stick to it', 'stick around') is slightly more frequent in AmE informal speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
stick something on somethingstick to somethingstick with someonestick aroundstick outVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stick to your guns”
- “stick your neck out”
- “more than you can shake a stick at”
- “the short end of the stick”
- “in a sticky situation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We need to stick to the budget." (adhere to)
Academic
"The particles stick to the surface via van der Waals forces."
Everyday
"Can you stick this note on the fridge?"
Technical
"Apply the adhesive and let it stick for 24 hours."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The label won't stick properly to the damp surface.
- We should stick to the plan we agreed on.
- I can't stick this job any longer.
American English
- The tires stuck in the deep mud.
- Stick with me, I know the way.
- He really stuck his neck out for the team.
adjective
British English
- The floor was sticky from spilled lemonade.
- We're in a bit of a sticky situation with the client.
American English
- The humid weather made everything feel sticky.
- He avoided giving a definite answer, which was sticky for us.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog fetched a stick.
- Use glue to stick the paper.
- She uses a walking stick.
- If we stick together, we'll be safe.
- The car has a stick shift.
- The government is facing a lot of stick for its new policy.
- Some traditions stick around for centuries.
- The accusation stuck, damaging his reputation permanently.
- They decided to stick it out despite the difficulties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sticky note (STICKs) to a monitor, reminding you the word means to attach.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOYALTY IS ADHESION (stick with me), PERSISTENCE IS ADHESION (stick to it), CRITICISM IS A PHYSICAL BEATING (take some stick).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'stick shift' literally. It's 'механическая коробка передач'.
- 'Stick insect' is 'палочник', not 'насекомое-палка'.
- Avoid using 'stick' for 'pen' (ручка).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I will stick the poster in the wall.' Correct: '...on the wall.'
- Incorrect: 'He sticks on his opinion.' Correct: 'He sticks to his opinion.'
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what does 'stick shift' refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Stick to' is used for plans, rules, or principles ('stick to the schedule'). 'Stick with' is used for people, groups, or choices ('stick with your friends').
Yes, informally, especially in British English (e.g., 'I can't stick his arrogance any longer'). It is similar to 'stand' or 'bear'.
It is irregular. The past simple and past participle are both 'stuck'.
It means to misunderstand a situation or a piece of information completely.