WordGarden.iosit
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪt/
US
- /ˈsɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to rest with your body supported in a seated position
to be placed or remain in a particular position or location
to take an exam or test
More meaningsFewer meanings
to serve on or hold a formal session of a court, committee, or other official body
Beyond the definition
We all sit down at some point in the day, whether it's in a chair, on a bench, or even on the floor. But "sit" is not only about resting. A painting might sit on display in a museum, and a town might sit between hills.
To sit means to lower yourself so your weight rests on your bottom. You can sit for hours reading a good book, or sit through a long meeting and wait for it to end. Sometimes "sit" tells us where something is: "The restaurant sits on the corner of Main Street." It is a simple word, but it is used in many ways.
"Sit" is a deceptively complex little word. At its most basic, to sit means to lower your body so that your weight rests on your buttocks, typically in a chair, on the floor, or another surface. Think of settling into a comfy armchair after a long day—that's sitting!
But "sit" goes beyond just physical action. It can describe where something is located: "The village sits high in the mountains." It can also mean staying in a certain state for a time: "Let the dough sit for an hour." You might sit on a committee, meaning you are a member and take part in its meetings. In some kinds of English, you can also sit an exam, which means to take it.
There's even a figurative sense—"He won't sit still!" means someone is restless or unable to relax. And consider phrases like "sitting pretty" (being in a comfortable position) or "sitting duck" (an easy target).
Historically, the word comes from Old English sittan, related to words meaning "to rest" and "to settle". From resting your weary bones to describing a location or state of being, "sit" is a fundamental verb that weaves its way into countless aspects of our language. So next time you take a seat, remember all the ways this simple word can be used!
Examples
- 1
Polite invitation
Come in and sit down for a minute.
- 2
Viewpoint
We sat by the window so we could watch the street.
- 3
Seating location
Please sit at the front if you have trouble hearing.
- 4
Restlessness
The kids couldn't sit still during the wedding.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Serious conversation
We need to sit down and talk about the budget.
- Phrasesit down and talk
take time to have a serious conversation
- 6
Clothing fit
Your hat is too loose; it doesn't sit properly on your head.
- 7
Building location
The old church sits on a hill above the town.
- 8
Waiting item
That email has been sitting in my inbox since Monday.
- Patternsit + place
stay there, waiting to be dealt with
- 9
Inaction
Don't just sit there while everyone else is working.
- Phrasesit there
stay inactive
- 10
Unpleasant event
I had to sit through three hours of training.
- Patternsit through + event
stay until something boring or difficult ends
- 11
Acceptance
His joke didn't sit well with the audience.
- Patternsit well with + person/group
seem acceptable to them
- 12
Sports absence
I'm going to sit this match out because my knee still hurts.
- Patternsit + event out
choose not to take part until it ends
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sitverb
Forms
- sitting-ing formverb
- satpast tensepast participleverb
- sitsverb