Seats Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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seats

[siหts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a theatre

The seats in the theatre were comfortable and spacious. Each seat had a great view of the stage.

Synonyms

benches, chairs, seating.

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Word Description / Examples
seats

Commonly used to describe individual or group places to sit, generally in a public or formal setting such as a theater, stadium, or airplane.

  • We need to reserve seats for the concert.
  • There are no available seats on this flight.
chairs

Describes individual seats, usually with a back and legs. Can be used in homes, offices, schools, or any indoor setting.

  • Please pull up a chair and join us.
  • The dining room set includes six chairs.
benches

Refers to long seats, often without backs, typically found in public spaces like parks or gardens. Suitable for outdoor or communal settings.

  • Let's sit on the benches by the lake.
  • The park was full of wooden benches.
seating

General term that describes the arrangement or availability of seats in a particular area. Often used in contexts like event planning or transport.

  • The seating arrangement at the wedding was perfect.
  • There is ample seating in the waiting area.

Examples of usage

  • We had front row seats for the show.
  • The seats were all filled up with eager audience members.
Context #2 | Noun

in a vehicle

The seats in the car were leather and adjustable. There was plenty of legroom for all passengers.

Synonyms

bench, chairs, seating.

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Word Description / Examples
seats

General term used for any place where a person can sit. It can refer to individual chairs, benches, or other seating arrangements, often used in a variety of contexts from theaters to cars.

  • There are still some seats available for tonightโ€™s concert
  • She reserved the seats at the front of the restaurant
chairs

Individual seats meant for one person, often with a back and sometimes with armrests. Used in homes, offices, and formal or casual settings.

  • Please grab some extra chairs from the storage room
  • I bought a new office chair for my home workspace
seating

Refers to the overall arrangement or capacity of places to sit in a specific area. Common in concert halls, stadiums, and other venues requiring organized sitting spaces for events.

  • The theaterโ€™s new seating arrangement allows for better views of the stage
  • The stadium has seating for up to 50,000 people
bench

Refers to a long seat that multiple people can sit on, typically found in public places like parks, sports facilities, or sometimes in dining areas. It often implies a more casual or communal setting.

  • They sat on a bench in the park and watched the sunset
  • The athletes rested on the bench during the game

Examples of usage

  • The seats in the minivan could be folded down for extra storage space.
  • She adjusted her seat to a more comfortable position for the long drive.
Context #3 | Verb

to provide seating

The theater seats a thousand people. It is a popular venue for concerts and plays.

Synonyms

accommodate, place, situate.

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Word Description / Examples
seats

Use when talking about individual sitting places, especially in areas like theaters, cars, or airplanes.

  • The concert hall has 500 seats
  • The car can comfortably fit five people in its seats
accommodate

Use when referring to the capacity to provide space or facilities for people or things. It can apply to both physical space and abstract situations.

  • The new stadium can accommodate 60,000 fans
  • The schedule was adjusted to accommodate everyone's availability
situate

Use when you want to refer to the location of a place in relation to its surroundings. Often used in a more formal context.

  • The hotel is situated near the beach
  • The house is situated in a quiet neighborhood
place

Use for a broad term referring to any specific location, spot, or area. It can also imply assigning a location to someone or something.

  • This place is beautiful in the spring
  • Please place the books on the shelf

Examples of usage

  • The stadium can seat up to 50,000 spectators.
  • The restaurant seats guests both indoors and outdoors.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • In theater design, different types of seats are arranged to optimize viewer experience, with consideration for sight lines and acoustics.
  • Stadiums often feature tiered seating, allowing more fans to have a clear view of events and improve audience engagement.
  • Some famous buildings, like the Sydney Opera House, have unique seating arrangements that complement their architectural design.

Social Customs

  • In many cultures, the act of offering a seat to someone is seen as a sign of respect and hospitality.
  • Dining etiquette often includes specific traditions regarding seating arrangements at formal meals, emphasizing respect for hierarchy and tradition.
  • In classrooms, seating arrangements can influence social dynamics and learning outcomes for students.

Entertainment

  • In the world of cinema, the comfort of seats has evolved significantly, with luxury seating options like reclining chairs becoming popular.
  • The idea of 'reserved seating' at concerts has changed how fans experience live events, allowing them to select their preferred viewing spots.
  • The term 'window seat' is commonly used in travel, especially on airplanes, where passengers can enjoy scenic views.

Psychology

  • Research has shown that comfortable seating can significantly improve focus and productivity in work and educational environments.
  • The placement of seats in social gatherings can affect interactions, with people nearer to the host generally feeling more included.
  • Studies indicate that types of seating can evoke specific emotions, with soft seating being associated with relaxation and comfort.

Origin of 'seats'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'seat' comes from the Old English 'setl,' which means a place in which one sits.
  • In medieval times, 'seat' referred not just to chairs, but also to any position of authority or honor, like a throne.
  • The term has evolved, and by the 14th century, it was often used to describe both physical seating and metaphorical places in society.

The word 'seats' has an interesting history. It originated from the Old English word 'set', which meant 'a place to sit'. Over time, the word evolved to 'seat' and 'seats', referring to furniture designed for sitting. The concept of seating has been essential in human history, from simple benches to elaborate thrones. Today, seats are ubiquitous in various forms, from chairs in homes to stadium bleachers. The evolution of seating reflects changes in culture, design, and technology.


See also: seat, seating, unseat.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,013, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.