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static

/ˈstædɪk/
/ˈstæɾɪk/
IPA guide

Other forms: statics; statically

Static means not moving or changing––it's often used to describe abstract ideas that can't be seen. "The troops were moving all over the country, engaged in skirmishes, but the army's overall position remained static."

Static is easier to remember if you think of the sta- in "standing still" and stationary. Remember what happens when you rub a balloon against your head? That's producing a stationary electric charge, otherwise known as static electricity.

Definitions of static
  1. adjective
    not in physical motion
    synonyms: inactive, motionless, still
    nonmoving, unmoving
    not in motion
  2. adjective
    showing little if any change
    “a static population”
    synonyms: stable, unchanging
    unchangeable
    not changeable or subject to change
  3. adjective
    concerned with or producing or caused by static electricity
    synonyms: electrostatic
  4. noun
    a crackling or hissing noise caused by electrical interference
    see moresee less
    types:
    radio noise
    static at radio wavelengths
    type of:
    disturbance, interference, noise
    electrical or acoustic activity that can disturb communication
  5. noun
    angry criticism
    “they will probably give you a lot of static about your editorial”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    criticism, unfavorable judgment
    disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
Pronunciation
US
/ˈstædɪk/
UK
/ˈstæɾɪk/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘static'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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