remain

word

/ɹiˈmeɪn/
ri-MAYN
/ɹɪmˈeɪn/
ri-MAYN

Definition

To stay in the same place, condition, or situation without changing. It can also mean that something is left over after part of it has been used, taken, or removed.

Usage & Nuances

Common in formal and neutral English. Often followed by an adjective or noun phrase: 'remain calm', 'remain silent', 'remain a mystery'. For amounts or people left, use patterns like 'only two remain'. It is more formal than 'stay' in many contexts.

Example Sentences

Please remain seated until the bus stops.

basic

The details are unclear, but one fact remains: we need to act now.

natural

Only three cookies remain on the plate.

basic

She remained calm during the storm.

basic

After the meeting, one big question still remained.

natural

Even after all these years, they remain close friends.

natural