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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Stable: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：steady and fixed (stable)

stable 🔊

/ˈsteɪbl/

adj.

Not likely to change or move; firmly fixed and steady.

Stable definition illustrated by a steady table with laptop and flowers.

steady and fixed 🔊

➕

/ˈstedi ən fɪkst/

adj.

Describes something that is not easily changed, moved, or disturbed; firmly established and not wavering.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'stare' (to stand) + '-abilis' (able to), forming 'stabilis' (able to stand, firm).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a stable **table** – it doesn't wobble because it's steady and firmly fixed in place.

📖 Example

After years of freelancing, she finally found a stable job with a regular income and benefits. 🔊 After years of working independently on various projects, she eventually secured a steady and reliable position with consistent pay and employee perks.

🔗 Collocations

stable relationship – A committed and reliable partnership between people.

stable environment – A setting or conditions that are consistent and not prone to sudden changes.

stable income – Earnings that are regular and predictable.

🔄 Synonyms

steady (adj.) – Firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving.

secure (adj.) – Fixed or fastened so as not to give way, become loose, or be lost.

firm (adj.) – Having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure.

🚫 Antonyms

unstable (adj.) – Likely to change or fail; not firmly fixed and likely to give way.

volatile (adj.) – Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.

precarious (adj.) – Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.

🌱 Derivatives

stably (adv.) – In a steady and unwavering manner.

stability (n.) – The state of being stable; resistance to change or deterioration.

stabilize (v.) – To make or become stable.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'stabilis' (firm, steadfast), entering English via Old French 'estable'. Its core idea of 'standing firm' connects it to words like 'stand', describing both physical steadiness and metaphorical reliability in character or conditions.

Meaning 2：calm and reliable (stable)

stable 🔊

/ˈsteɪbl/

adj.

Calm and reliable; not easily upset or changing in mood or behavior.

calm and reliable 🔊

➕

/kɑːm ən rɪˈlaɪəbl/

adj.

Describes a person who is emotionally balanced, dependable, and not easily disturbed or agitated.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Even during the emergency at the hospital, the senior doctor remained stable and gave clear instructions to the team. 🔊 Even amidst the critical situation in the hospital, the experienced doctor stayed composed and dependable, providing precise directions to the staff.

🔗 Collocations

emotionally stable – Having balanced and controlled emotions.

stable personality – A consistent and reliable character that does not change drastically.

remain stable under pressure – To stay calm and effective when facing stressful situations.

🔄 Synonyms

balanced (adj.) – Keeping or showing a balance; emotionally and mentally steady.

level-headed (adj.) – Sensible and calm, especially in difficult situations.

dependable (adj.) – Trustworthy and reliable.

🚫 Antonyms

unstable (adj.) – Prone to sudden changes in mood, behavior, or mental state.

volatile (adj.) – Likely to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially in temperament.

erratic (adj.) – Not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable.