Seat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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seat

[siːt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on a plane

A seat is a place where a person sits, especially one of the individual places provided for an audience in a theater, cinema, or auditorium.

Synonyms

berth, chair, place.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
seat

This word is commonly used to refer to something you sit on in various settings such as theaters, cars, or planes.

  • She booked a window seat on the plane
  • Please take your seat before the meeting starts
chair

This word is used to describe a piece of furniture with a back, usually found in homes, offices, and venues.

  • She bought a new chair for her home office
  • Please pull up a chair to join us at the table
berth

Typically used in the context of sleeping arrangements on boats, trains, or sometimes in camping.

  • He had a lower berth on the train
  • The boat offers comfortable berths for all passengers
place

This is a more general term and can be used to describe any position or location meant for sitting. It can also be used abstractly to denote a position or role.

  • He saved a place for her at the table
  • Everyone has a place in this world

Examples of usage

  • The seat next to me on the plane was empty.
  • She bought tickets for seats in the front row of the theater.
Context #2 | Verb

in a vehicle

To seat means to arrange for (people) to sit somewhere.

Synonyms

place, position, situate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
seat

Use this word when referring to a specific spot where one can sit down, like in a vehicle, theater, or classroom.

  • Please take your seat before the movie starts.
  • She found a seat near the window on the bus.
place

This word is useful for referring to a location in a more general sense, not necessarily where one can sit. It can be a spot where someone or something is located or should be placed.

  • Let's find a place to have dinner.
  • This is a nice place to relax.
position

Use this word when referring to a specific location or situation in a more formal or technical sense, often in the context of jobs, roles, or physical arrangement.

  • She was promoted to a higher position in the company.
  • Make sure the table is in the correct position.
situate

This word is often used in a more formal or technical context, typically to describe placing something in a specific location or context.

  • The new school is situated near the park.
  • He tried to situate the event within a historical context.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher seated the students in alphabetical order.
  • We were seated at a table near the window.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, who sits where at a table can indicate social hierarchy and relationships.
  • Seating arrangements in places like theaters or arenas can show the importance of different roles in a performance or event.
  • The 'seat of power' phrase refers to locations where authority is exercised, highlighting its metaphorical use.

Pop Culture

  • In the popular TV show 'Friends,' the famous 'central perk' seating setup became iconic, representing friendship and gathering.
  • Certain songs, like 'Take a Seat,' use the concept of seating as a metaphor for relationships and emotional connections.
  • Movies often use a seat, especially in cars or planes, to symbolize journeys and transitions of characters.

Psychology

  • Sitting position can affect our mood and engagement; for example, a relaxed posture can create feelings of comfort.
  • Public seating areas can foster social interactions and community bonding among people sharing spaces.
  • The act of choosing a seat can subconsciously indicate a person's desire for connection or isolation in social situations.

Architecture

  • Designing public seats, such as benches in parks, involves considering comfort, visual appeal, and social interaction.
  • Innovative seating designs, like modular furniture, adapt to spaces, allowing for versatile use in modern architecture.
  • The layout of seating in theaters or arenas is crucial for visibility and audience engagement during performances.

Origin of 'seat'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'seat' comes from the Old English word 'setl', which meant a place to sit or a resting spot.
  • In many languages, the word for seat shares common roots, linking back to concepts of positioning and resting.
  • Historically, seats were symbols of status; the higher the seat, the more important the person.

The word 'seat' originated from the Old English word 'set', which means 'a place or setting'. Over time, the word evolved to refer to a place where someone sits, such as a chair or bench. The concept of seating arrangements has been important in various cultures throughout history, particularly in formal settings like theaters, courts, and religious ceremonies.


See also: seating, seats, unseat.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,863, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.