difference between stand and withstand

[Remula]

@Mordant

Remula, “withstand” is very common with people. TutorPhil merely pointed out that “stand” occurs more often when a person is the subject. I pointed out that the object of withstand is rarely a person. In your sentence, the person is the subject.

Ok, clear. You are right. Thanks

[High_Iron]

I think “withstand” implies the person or subject is being attacked or severely tested in some form or manner, whereas “stand” implies the person or subject is able to put up with something that is not as aggressive as an attack. For example, you might write, “The defensive troops could not withstand the onslaught of the German tanks.” You would not write, “The defensive troops could not stand the onslaught of the German tanks.” You would write, “I can’t stand the flavor of beets.” You would not write, “I can’t withstand the flavor of beets.”