Rester vs. demeurer
The French verbs 'rester' and 'demeurer' both translate to 'to stay' in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts and carry different nuances. Understanding these distinctions can help in grasping the subtlety of the French language.
Rester
'Rester' is commonly used to express the continuation of an action or state in the same place or condition.
Je vais rester à la maison ce week-end.
(I'm going to stay at home this weekend.)
Reste tranquille !
(Stay calm!)
Elle est restée en colère toute la journée.
(She remained angry all day.)
Demeurer
'Demeurer' is less common and often implies a more permanent or long-lasting state of staying. It can also be more formal or literary.
Il demeure en France depuis vingt ans.
(He has been living in France for twenty years.)
Cette question demeure sans réponse.
(This question remains unanswered.)
Le château demeure un lieu de légende.
(The castle remains a place of legend.)
Summary
'Rester' is broadly used for various situations involving staying, waiting, or remaining, and suits everyday language. Conversely, 'demeurer' often denotes a longer-term, sometimes permanent stay, or persisting state and tends to be more formal. Both verbs are integral for expressing continuity, but context determines the most appropriate choice.