Remain vs. Still

Attribute	Remain	Still
Definition	To continue to exist or be in a particular state	To stay in the same position or condition
Usage	Often used in the context of something continuing or being left over	Often used to indicate a lack of movement or change
Duration	Can refer to a longer period of time	Can refer to a shorter period of time
Implication	Implies something remaining unchanged or continuing	Implies something staying static or unmoving

Definition

Remain and still are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Remain typically refers to staying in a particular place or condition, while still usually refers to continuing to be in a certain state or position. For example, if someone remains at home, they are staying there, whereas if they are still at home, they are continuing to be there.

Usage

Remain is often used in the context of physical location or presence. For instance, a person can remain in a room, remain seated, or remain silent. Still, on the other hand, is commonly used to indicate a lack of movement or change. For example, someone can be still in a photograph or still waiting for a response.

Duration

When it comes to duration, remain typically implies a longer period of time compared to still. For instance, if someone remains in a job, it suggests that they have been there for a significant amount of time. On the other hand, if someone is still in a job, it may indicate that they have not moved on yet, but it does not necessarily imply a long duration.

Emphasis

Remain is often used to emphasize the continuation of a particular state or condition. For example, if someone says, "I remain committed to this project," it highlights their dedication and persistence. Still, on the other hand, can be used to emphasize the lack of change or movement. For instance, if someone says, "I am still waiting for your response," it underscores their ongoing anticipation.

Connotation

Remain tends to have a more formal or serious connotation compared to still. When someone says they remain in a certain position or belief, it implies a sense of steadfastness and determination. Still, on the other hand, can sometimes have a more casual or relaxed connotation. For example, if someone says they are still considering their options, it suggests a more laid-back approach.

Examples

Here are a few examples to illustrate the differences between remain and still:

• She remained in her seat until the end of the performance.
• He was still waiting for her to arrive at the restaurant.
• The old building remains a landmark in the city.
• The clock was still ticking on the wall.
• Despite the challenges, she remained optimistic about the future.
• He was still undecided about which college to attend.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while remain and still are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and connotations. Remain typically refers to staying in a particular place or condition for a longer period of time, while still usually indicates a lack of movement or change. Both words can be used to emphasize continuity or persistence, but remain tends to have a more formal connotation, while still can sometimes be more casual. Understanding the differences between remain and still can help improve clarity and precision in communication.