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Sitter: meaning, definitions and examples

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sitter

 

[ˈsɪtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

childcare

A person who looks after children when the parents are not at home. The sitter is responsible for the safety and well-being of the children in their care.

Synonyms

babysitter, childminder, nanny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sitter

A general term for someone who watches over children or pets for a short period. Often used in informal settings.

  • I'm going to the movie tonight, so I hired a sitter for the kids
  • Do you have a reliable sitter for your pets while you're away?
babysitter

Specifically refers to someone, usually young, who looks after children for a few hours, often during evenings or weekends.

  • We need a babysitter for Saturday night
  • The babysitter arrived at 6 PM and took great care of the kids
childminder

Commonly used in the UK, this term refers to a registered person who looks after children in their own home. It has a more professional connotation than 'babysitter'.

  • We found a wonderful childminder who takes care of our children while we are at work
  • The childminder provides both educational activities and meals
nanny

A professional caregiver who is employed to look after a child or children on a regular, often full-time basis, and may live with the family.

  • They hired a nanny to take care of their newborn
  • Our nanny has been with us for years and is like part of the family

Examples of usage

  • The babysitter is coming over tonight to watch the kids.
  • We need to find a reliable sitter for our date night.
Context #2 | Noun

art

A person who poses for an artist, typically for a portrait or painting. The sitter must remain still for long periods of time.

Synonyms

model, portrait subject, subject.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sitter

Typically used in art and photography to describe a person who poses, usually seated, for a portrait or photo session.

  • The painter asked the sitter to remain still while he worked on the portrait.
  • The photographer instructed the sitter to look directly at the camera.
model

Refers to a person employed to display products, clothes, or poses for artists and photographers. Also used in a variety of industries to describe someone or something meant to be imitated or represented.

  • The model wore the latest fashion from the designer’s new collection.
  • The artist hired a model to pose for his latest sculpture.
subject

A broad term that can refer to anyone or anything being discussed, described, or depicted. Often used in academic, artistic, and general contexts.

  • The subject of the painting was a peaceful landscape.
  • In the photograph, the subject's eyes tell a story.
portrait subject

Used specifically in art and photography to define the individual being depicted in a portrait. It focuses more on the role of the person in the context of the portrait rather than their action or job.

  • The portrait subject was a well-known author whose face was instantly recognizable.
  • The artist spent hours capturing the essence of the portrait subject.

Examples of usage

  • The artist painted a beautiful portrait of the sitter.
  • The sitter had to hold the same pose for hours.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'sitter' comes from Middle English 'sitten', which means 'to sit', referring to someone who stays in one place.
  • In the 16th century, 'sitter' began to include people who babysat or cared for others.
  • The term has evolved to encompass various roles, including the modern concept of pet sitters.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, having a sitter is a sign of trust; parents choose individuals they believe will care for their children like family.
  • Some cultures have specific traditions for babysitters, such as storytelling or teaching children cultural values.
  • The role of a sitter has been romanticized in literature and film, often portraying them as young, adventurous characters.

Psychology

  • Children benefit from sitters as they can help with emotional regulation during their parents’ absence.
  • Research indicates that having a consistent sitter can reduce anxiety in children when parents leave.
  • Sitters often play a crucial role in developing social skills in children through interactive play and shared experiences.

Pop Culture

  • Films and TV shows often depict sitters, blending comedy and drama around their adventures or mishaps.
  • Popular characters in children's media are sometimes portrayed as sitters, making them relatable and fun to watch.
  • In music, there are songs that celebrate the friendship between sitters and the children they care for, highlighting bonds formed outside the family.

Professionalization

  • With the rise of dual-income households, professional sitters, such as babysitters and pet sitters, have become increasingly common.
  • Training and certification programs for sitters focus on safety, first aid, and childcare techniques, raising the standard for the profession.
  • The gig economy has enabled many to work as sitters on flexible terms, allowing individuals to pursue this career alongside other commitments.

Translations

Translations of the word "sitter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 babá

🇮🇳 पालक

🇩🇪 Babysitter

🇮🇩 pengasuh

🇺🇦 няня

🇵🇱 opiekunka

🇯🇵 シッター (shittā)

🇫🇷 gardien

🇪🇸 niñera

🇹🇷 bebek bakıcısı

🇰🇷 시터 (sitŏ)

🇸🇦 جليسة أطفال

🇨🇿 hlídač

🇸🇰 opatrovateľ

🇨🇳 保姆 (bǎomǔ)

🇸🇮 varuška

🇮🇸 barnapía

🇰🇿 бала күтуші

🇬🇪 ძიძა

🇦🇿 dayə

🇲🇽 niñera

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,375, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.