stick by: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “stick by” mean?
To continue to support or be loyal to someone, especially through difficulties.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To continue to support or be loyal to someone, especially through difficulties.
To remain faithful to a promise, decision, or principle despite challenges or changing circumstances.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or use.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English, but strong connotations of loyalty and reliability in both varieties.
Frequency
Relatively common in both, perhaps more frequent in UK speech and media.
Grammar
How to Use “stick by” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] stick by [OBJ (person/promise/decision)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stick by” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- True mates always stick by each other, no matter the scandal.
- He vowed to stick by his original plan, despite the new evidence.
American English
- Her family promised to stick by her through the court case.
- I'll stick by my decision, even if it costs me the election.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe loyalty to a colleague under investigation or support for an unpopular but principled business decision.
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose; more common in biographical or historical narratives about loyalty.
Everyday
Common in discussions of friendship, family loyalty, and personal promises.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stick by”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stick by”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stick by”
- Using 'stick to' for people (e.g., 'He stuck to his wife' is wrong; 'stuck by' is correct). Overusing in formal writing where 'remain loyal to' or 'continue to support' might be more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Stick by' emphasizes loyalty through adversity. 'Stick with' is broader and can mean continue using (stick with this brand), continue doing (stick with the plan), or not abandon (stick with me). 'Stick by' is not used for things or ongoing activities, only for people or past commitments.
It is primarily informal. In formal writing, alternatives like 'remain loyal to', 'continue to support', or 'stand by' are often preferred.
Very often, yes. The phrase gains its meaning from the idea of loyalty being tested by problems, scandals, mistakes, or unpopular decisions.
No. While a person is most common, the object can also be an abstract noun representing a past commitment, such as a 'promise', 'decision', 'principles', or 'word'.
To continue to support or be loyal to someone, especially through difficulties.
Stick by: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪk baɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪk baɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Through thick and thin (related concept)”
- “Stick to your guns (for principles/decisions)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a walking STICK standing BY your side, supporting you as you walk through a storm. It's always there, helping you stay upright.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOYALTY IS PHYSICAL ADHESION (sticking to someone) / LOYALTY IS PROXIMITY (standing by someone).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'stick by' correctly?