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Standby vs Bystander - What's the difference?

standby | bystander |

As nouns the difference between standby and bystander

is that standby is state of readiness without being immediately involved while bystander is a person who, although present at some event, does not take part in it; an observer or spectator.

As a verb standby

is wait briefly: an alternative spelling of nocap=1|lang=en.

standby

English

Alternative forms

* stand-by

Noun

(en noun)
  • State of readiness without being immediately involved.
    • ''The troops were on standby in case of an attack.
  • (travel) Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out.
  • Something that is standard, well-tested, or frequently used.
    • That recipe is an old standby , and she keeps the ingredients around in case of unexpected guests.

    Verb

    • Standby while I check that for you.

    Quotations

    * (English Citations of "standby") English nouns with irregular plurals

    bystander

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • a person who, although present at some event, does not take part in it; an observer or spectator

    • See also

    * rubberneck