Staid describes a person, a place, or a way of doing things that is quiet, serious, correct, and a bit dull — settled into old habits and not open to fun or change. A staid old bank, a staid uncle in a grey suit, a staid hotel where nobody laughs loudly in the restaurant. The picture behind the word is safety without joy: nothing wrong is happening, but nothing surprising will happen either. It is a mild criticism, softer than 'boring' and much softer than 'stuffy'; you can even say it half-fondly about a family member. It is often used in contrast — 'her staid husband' next to someone lively, or 'the staid old company' before it does something unexpected — and that contrast is where you meet it most. Note that it is nearly always written, not spoken; in conversation Taiwanese students will hear 'boring', 'stiff', 'old-fashioned', or 'square' instead. It is also usually about outward style — clothes, manner, an institution's habits — rather than about someone's inner heart, so a staid-looking person can turn out to be very warm.