How Do You Spell BE STILL?

Pronunciation: [biː stˈɪl] (IPA)

The phrase "be still" is pronounced /bi stɪl/. The "b" at the beginning of the phrase is pronounced as a voiced bilabial stop, where the lips come together to stop the airflow. The "e" sound is pronounced as an unstressed vowel sound, similar to the "uh" sound. The "s" is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar sibilant, where the tongue is close to the front of the gum ridge. The "t" is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar stop, where the tongue touches the alveolar ridge behind the upper front teeth. The "ɪ" sound is pronounced as a short, unrounded vowel sound. The final "l" sound is pronounced as a voiced alveolar lateral approximant, where the tongue touches the ridge behind the upper front teeth and the airflow is allowed to pass along the sides of the tongue.

BE STILL Meaning and Definition

1. "Be still" is a phrase that suggests the act of stopping or ceasing any physical movement or action. It can be used as both an imperative command or an encouraging statement to promote tranquility, silence, or calmness. The phrase encourages an individual to be motionless, quiet, and mentally at peace, often seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual rest.

   In a literal sense, "be still" refers to the absence of any physical motion or activity, such as refraining from making noise or avoiding bodily movements. It can suggest the need to calm down, relax, or pause momentarily. Metaphorically, "be still" implies a figurative stillness of the mind and emotions, urging individuals to find inner peace, mindfulness, or solitude. It encourages individuals to silence their thoughts and worries, allowing oneself to find tranquility and serenity.

   The phrase "be still" is often used in spiritual or meditative contexts, aiming to guide people towards a sense of inner quietude, contemplation, or connection with a higher power. It may indicate the need to detach from external distractions and to focus inwardly to find clarity or enlightenment. "Be still" can, therefore, be seen as an invitation to seek equilibrium and serenity within oneself amidst the chaos and busyness of life.

Common Misspellings for BE STILL

• bestill

Etymology of BE STILL

The term "be still" is composed of two separate words: "be" and "still".

1. "Be": This word comes from the Old English verb "bēon" which meant "to exist, to be". It also has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "buan" and the Proto-Indo-European word "bheu-" meaning "to become, to be". Through various influences over time, the word "be" has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning and usage.

2. "Still": The word "still" derives from the Old English adjective "stille" which meant "calm, tranquil, quiet". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "stiljaz" and the Proto-Indo-European word "stel-" which conveyed the sense of being "motionless, fixed, standing firm".

Idioms with the word BE STILL

• be still in the game The idiom "be still in the game" means to remain actively involved and have the potential for success or victory, despite facing difficulties or challenges. It suggests that a person or entity has not been disqualified or eliminated from a competition, situation, or pursuit, and still has a chance to achieve their desired outcome.
• be still my beating heart The idiom "be still my beating heart" is a figurative expression used to portray a sudden, intense emotional or physical reaction, often in a romantic or dramatic context. It signifies the feeling of being overwhelmed, excited, or surprised that causes one's heart to beat faster. The phrase is commonly used to express astonishment or passionate fascination towards something or someone.
• be still my heart The idiom "be still my heart" is an expression of a strong emotional reaction, usually towards someone or something that is highly admirable, attractive, or touching. It indicates that the speaker's heart is overwhelmed by emotion, causing it to beat faster or skip a beat in response to the intense feelings experienced.