Stay vs. Remain

synonyms

This time, we're gonna focus on these two words and analyze them thoroughly. Are you ready? Do you wanna join me and begin your journey?

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both indicate keeping one's position, location, etc. as it was before. However, 'remain' is more formal and it mainly points out 'continuing one's state despite noticing others doing something else', whereas, 'stay' is more about being at a place.

Differences

When we go on a trip, we mainly use 'stay' to indicate the time period we are at that place. Look at the examples below:

The Mathrons stayed back and watched the witches burn.

Just stay where you are, you murderer.

'Remain', on the other hand, mainly refers to keeping one's state despite noticing that others around you have stopped doing so. Also, remember that when we want to describe someone staying at a location using 'remain', we must use the preposition 'at'. Take a look at the examples below:

And this is why the dictatorial governor chose to remain silent.

Suzie remained at the village and lived all by herself.

Similarities

As stated above, they both indicate keeping one's position, state, or location. Check out the following examples:

Warner stayed awake all night and cried.

Everyone cheered for me, but she remained silent.

Are They Interchangeable?

In order to be used interchangeably, you have to pay attention to their contexts. Compare:

✓ No, in fact, I stayed awake all night.

X No, in fact, I remained awake all night.

As you can see, this one is inaccurate.

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