The spelling of the word "stands between" in IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is /stændz bɪˈtwiːn/. The word "stands" is spelled with an "s" rather than a "c" because it is a present tense verb. The word "between" is spelled with a "t" rather than a "d" sound because of the voiceless "t" sound that comes after the voiced "n" sound. The two words together form a phrasal verb that means to be in the middle of two things.
The phrase "stands between" is an idiomatic expression that conveys the idea of an obstruction or barrier separating two entities or actions. It suggests the presence of an obstacle that impedes progress or prevents the accomplishment of something desired.
In a literal sense, when something "stands between" two objects, it physically blocks the path or space that connects them. However, this phrase is more commonly used metaphorically to refer to an intangible barrier or challenge in various contexts.
In a personal context, "stands between" signifies a hindrance or challenge that an individual faces while trying to achieve a goal or pursue an aspiration. It denotes an obstacle that must be overcome or surmounted in order to reach a desired outcome. It highlights the idea of a barrier that acts as a divider that needs to be surpassed.
In a broader sense, "stands between" could also be used to describe an issue or dispute that creates a divide between two parties or groups. It represents the concept of an actual or figurative wall that separates and hampers their ability to communicate, cooperate, or reach a resolution.
Overall, "stands between" conveys the notion of an obstruction that inhibits progress or stands in the way of something significant, whether it pertains to personal goals, relationships, or larger societal challenges.
The phrase "stands between" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words: "stands" and "between". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Stands: The word "stands" comes from the Old English word "standan", which has the same meaning and is related to the Old High German word "stantan". Both words ultimately originate from the Proto-Germanic word "standaną".
2. Between: The word "between" comes from the Old English word "betweonum", which is a combination of the root "be-" meaning "by" or "near" and the word "twēonum" meaning "two". It is related to the Old Saxon word "bitweonum" and the Old High German word "ziwiskunnan", both having a similar meaning.