self-standing
|self-stand-ing|
/ˌsɛlfˈstændɪŋ/
stands by itself
Etymology
'self-standing' originates from English, specifically the elements 'self' and 'stand', where 'self' meant 'one's own' (from Old English 'self') and 'stand' meant 'to stand' (from Old English 'standan').
'self-standing' developed as a compound in Modern English by combining 'self' + the present participle/gerund form of 'stand' (standing). Earlier English used components 'self' and forms of 'stand' in compounds and phrases, and these combined forms eventually gave the modern compound 'self-standing'.
Initially, the compound was used primarily in the literal sense of 'standing by itself' (physical sense); over time it has retained that meaning and also broadened to figurative senses such as 'able to function independently' (organizational/abstract sense).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
standing by itself or not attached to anything else; freestanding (physical sense).
The sculpture is self-standing and can be placed anywhere in the room.
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Adjective 2
able to operate or exist independently without external support; autonomous (figurative/organizational sense).
After restructuring, the division became a self-standing unit with its own budget.
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Last updated: 2025/12/13 20:28