stehen lassen

Definition & meaning

The verb stehen lassen has several meanings depending on the context:

1. To leave something behind: To purposefully or accidentally not take an object with you when you depart (e.g., leaving an umbrella on a train).
2. To leave someone standing: To ignore someone, often in a social setting, or to leave them waiting without an explanation. It can also imply walking away from someone while they are speaking, essentially cutting them off.
3. To leave something untouched: To allow food or drink to remain on the table without consuming it.
4. To not change something: To leave a text, a decision, or an arrangement exactly as it is without making revisions.
5. Colloquial (to outpace): In sports or competitive contexts, it can mean to easily leave someone behind (e.g., a runner overtaking another competitor).

Grammar & Word origin

The phrase is a separable phrasal verb consisting of the verb stehen ? (to stand) and the verb lassen ? (to let/leave).

• Grammatical structure: Because it is a separable verb, the "stehen" moves to the end of the sentence in main clauses (e.g., "Ich lasse mein Glas auf dem Tisch stehen").
• Origin: It is derived from the Old High German roots for "to stand" (stān) and "to let" (lāzan).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

• vergessen ? (to forget - specifically regarding leaving items behind)
• zurücklassen ? (to leave behind)
• ignorieren ? (to ignore - in the context of leaving someone standing)
• unberührt lassen ? (to leave untouched)
• belassen ? (to leave something as it is)

Antonyms

• mitnehmen ? (to take along)
• aufessen ? (to eat up/finish)
• ändern ? (to change)