Sitting: meaning, definitions and examples

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sitting

[ ˈsɪtɪŋ ]

Noun / Adjective

^{Context #1 | Noun}

at a table

The action or position of sitting, typically while at a table or desk.

Synonyms

seated position, seating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sitting	This is a general term used for the act of being in a position where your bottom is on a surface like a chair, couch, or ground. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. She was sitting on the bench, enjoying the sunshine During the meeting, everyone was sitting around the conference table
seating	This term is typically used to refer to the arrangement or availability of seats in a particular area, such as in theaters, restaurants, or public events. The seating at the concert was very well organized We need to arrange the seating for the banquet dinner
seated position	This phrase is more formal and specific, often used in contexts where it is important to distinguish the posture of sitting, such as instructions or descriptions in formal writing. Please remain in a seated position until the vehicle comes to a complete stop The patients are advised to maintain a seated position during the examination

Word

Description / Examples

sitting

This is a general term used for the act of being in a position where your bottom is on a surface like a chair, couch, or ground. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.

She was sitting on the bench, enjoying the sunshine
During the meeting, everyone was sitting around the conference table

seating

This term is typically used to refer to the arrangement or availability of seats in a particular area, such as in theaters, restaurants, or public events.

The seating at the concert was very well organized
We need to arrange the seating for the banquet dinner

seated position

This phrase is more formal and specific, often used in contexts where it is important to distinguish the posture of sitting, such as instructions or descriptions in formal writing.

Please remain in a seated position until the vehicle comes to a complete stop
The patients are advised to maintain a seated position during the examination

Examples of usage

He was deep in thought, his sitting posture rigid.
She maintained a straight sitting position throughout the meeting.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

as a form of protest

A form of protest or demonstration in which participants sit and refuse to move.

Synonyms

protest action, sit-in.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sitting	This word is typically used to refer to the act of being seated or the period during which a person is seated. It can also be used in formal or professional settings to describe a session or meeting of a deliberative body. He enjoyed his sitting in the cozy armchair, reading a book. The committee will have its first sitting next Monday.
sit-in	A sit-in is a form of non-violent protest where participants occupy a place, refusing to leave until their demands are met. It is often used in social and political movements to draw attention to an issue. The students organized a sit-in at the university to demand better facilities. During the Civil Rights Movement, sit-ins were a common method of protest.
protest action	This term is used to describe a collective activity organized by a group to express opposition to a particular issue or policy. It often involves demonstrations, marches, and other forms of public dissent. The community organized a protest action against the new traffic laws. Thousands joined the protest action to demand better working conditions.

Word

Description / Examples

sitting

This word is typically used to refer to the act of being seated or the period during which a person is seated. It can also be used in formal or professional settings to describe a session or meeting of a deliberative body.

He enjoyed his sitting in the cozy armchair, reading a book.
The committee will have its first sitting next Monday.

sit-in

A sit-in is a form of non-violent protest where participants occupy a place, refusing to leave until their demands are met. It is often used in social and political movements to draw attention to an issue.

The students organized a sit-in at the university to demand better facilities.
During the Civil Rights Movement, sit-ins were a common method of protest.

protest action

This term is used to describe a collective activity organized by a group to express opposition to a particular issue or policy. It often involves demonstrations, marches, and other forms of public dissent.

The community organized a protest action against the new traffic laws.
Thousands joined the protest action to demand better working conditions.

Examples of usage

The students staged a peaceful sitting outside the government building.
The sit-in was a powerful demonstration of civil disobedience.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

not in use

Not currently in operation or in use.

Synonyms

inactive, unused.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sitting	Used to describe someone in a seated position, typically on a chair or bench. She was sitting on the bench waiting for her friend The cat is sitting on the windowsill
unused	Used to describe something that has not been used at all or for a long time. Often implies neglect or lack of necessity. The car has been unused for years and is starting to rust There are several unused rooms in the house
inactive	Describes someone or something that is not active or not moving. Can also refer to a lack of activity or engagement, often with a negative connotation. He leads an inactive lifestyle, which is affecting his health The volcano has been inactive for centuries

Word

Description / Examples

sitting

Used to describe someone in a seated position, typically on a chair or bench.

She was sitting on the bench waiting for her friend
The cat is sitting on the windowsill

unused

Used to describe something that has not been used at all or for a long time. Often implies neglect or lack of necessity.

The car has been unused for years and is starting to rust
There are several unused rooms in the house

inactive

Describes someone or something that is not active or not moving. Can also refer to a lack of activity or engagement, often with a negative connotation.

He leads an inactive lifestyle, which is affecting his health
The volcano has been inactive for centuries

Examples of usage

The sitting room was filled with old furniture that hadn't been used in years.
The sitting computer had gathered dust in the corner of the room.

Translations

Translations of the word "sitting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sentado

🇮🇳 बैठा हुआ

🇩🇪 sitzend

🇮🇩 duduk

🇺🇦 сидить

сидіння
засідання

🇵🇱 siedzący

🇯🇵 座っている (すわっている)

🇫🇷 assis

🇪🇸 sentado

🇹🇷 oturan

🇰🇷 앉아 있는

🇸🇦 جالس

🇨🇿 sedící

🇸🇰 sediaci

sedenie
zasadnutie

🇨🇳 坐着 (zuòzhe)

🇸🇮 sedeč

🇮🇸 sitjandi

🇰🇿 отырып

🇬🇪 მჯდომარე

🇦🇿 oturan

🇲🇽 sentado

Etymology

The word 'sitting' originated from the Old English word 'sittan', which means 'to sit'. Over time, the word evolved to represent the act of being seated or in a sitting position. The concept of sitting has been a fundamental part of human behavior and culture for centuries, symbolizing rest, contemplation, and social interaction. Whether sitting at a table, participating in a sit-in protest, or referring to something not in use, the word 'sitting' continues to play a significant role in our daily lives.

See also: dissipate, resit, sit, site, sitter.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,911, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

...
1908 flat
1909 adult
1910 concerns
1911 sitting
1912 concluded
1913 distributed
1914 tools
...