Situate: meaning, definitions and examples

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situate

 

[ˈsɪtjʊeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in geography

To determine the exact location of something or someone; to place in a particular position or context.

Synonyms

locate, place, position.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
situate

Similar to 'situate', used in formal or technical descriptions about physical placement.

  • The ancient ruins are situated on a hill.
  • They chose to situate the monument in the town square.
locate

Often used when talking about finding or discovering the position of something. Can be both formal and informal.

  • Can you locate the nearest post office?
  • The responsible authorities are trying to locate the source of the problem.
position

Often used in more formal contexts or when talking about the specific arrangement or orientation of something.

  • Make sure to position the camera correctly.
  • The engineer positioned the machinery for optimal performance.
place

Commonly used in everyday language to describe putting something in a particular position.

  • Please place the book on the table.
  • She carefully placed the vase on the shelf.

Examples of usage

  • The map helped us situate the town in relation to the river.
  • It is important to situate the new building near public transportation.
Context #2 | Verb

in academic writing

To provide background information or context for a particular topic or issue.

Synonyms

contextualize, place in context, situate within.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
situate

Use when describing the physical or figurative positioning of someone or something within a certain environment or setting.

  • The school is situated at the top of the hill
  • The novel is situated in 19th-century England
contextualize

Use when explaining or analyzing something by placing it in the surrounding system of circumstances or facts. Often used in academic or analytical discussions.

  • To better understand the policy, we need to contextualize it within the historical events of the time
  • The professor asked us to contextualize the text within the author's broader work
situate within

Use when emphasizing the specific circumstances, framework, or scenario within which something is placed. Similar to 'situate', but implies a more detailed or narrow setting.

  • The discussion needs to be situated within the ongoing debate about climate change
  • This phenomenon should be situated within the broader context of globalization
place in context

Use when trying to make something clearer or more understandable by showing its relationship to other things or showing how it fits in.

  • To appreciate the artist’s work, we must place it in context with the social movements of the period
  • Her comments are harsh until you place them in context with the criticisms she was responding to

Examples of usage

  • The author makes sure to situate her argument within the larger historical context.
  • The study aims to situate the findings within existing literature.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'situare,' which means 'to place or locate.'
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century and has evolved in usage since then.
  • Related terms include 'situation' and 'situational,' which are derived from the same root.

Science

  • In geography, to situate an object helps to determine its relation to other geographic features.
  • In psychology, situational factors significantly influence human behavior and decision-making.
  • In biology, the situating of organisms within their ecosystems helps understand interactions and biodiversity.

Art

  • Artists often situate their subjects within a specific context to convey deeper meaning or emotion.
  • In literature, the situating of a narrative can affect themes and audience perception.
  • In theater, the positioning of actors on stage can enhance storytelling and audience engagement.

Pop Culture

  • In many films, characters are often situated in a specific location that reflects their personality or journey.
  • Video games frequently use situating to define levels or challenges, affecting gameplay experiences.
  • The term is commonly used in social media to describe where someone is when posting updates.

Urban Planning

  • Situating buildings in urban areas considers factors like sunlight, wind patterns, and community needs.
  • Transport routes are planned by situating them to ease traffic and improve accessibility.
  • Public spaces are designed by situating parks and recreational areas to promote social interaction.

Translations

Translations of the word "situate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 situar

🇮🇳 स्थित करना

🇩🇪 platzieren

🇮🇩 menempatkan

🇺🇦 розташувати

🇵🇱 usytuować

🇯🇵 配置する(はいちする)

🇫🇷 situer

🇪🇸 situar

🇹🇷 yerleştirmek

🇰🇷 위치시키다

🇸🇦 وضع

🇨🇿 umístit

🇸🇰 umiestniť

🇨🇳 定位 (dìngwèi)

🇸🇮 postaviti

🇮🇸 staðsetja

🇰🇿 орналастыру

🇬🇪 განთავსება

🇦🇿 yerləşdirmək

🇲🇽 situar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,054, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.