Position

pəˈzɪʃən

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonLocation
4 meanings3 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

4 meanings
1

The place or situation of someone or something.

pəˈzɪʃən

nounneutralBeginner
Location

A place where someone or something is located or has been put.

The house has a prime position overlooking the lake.

💡 Simply: It's where something or someone is, like where you put your toy or where you are standing in line.

👶 For kids: Where something is located. Like, where your toys are.

More Examples

2

The soldiers took up defensive positions.

3

What is your current position in the queue?

How It's Used

Geography

"The city's position on the coast made it a strategic trading port."

Sports

"The team's position in the standings improved after their win."

2

A person's opinion or stance on a particular subject.

pəˈzɪʃən

nounneutralmedium
Perspective

A person's point of view or attitude toward something.

He made his position on the issue very clear.

💡 Simply: What you think or believe about something. Like, what's your position on pizza? Do you love it?

👶 For kids: What you think about something.

More Examples

2

Her position on immigration is well-known.

3

I respect his position, even though I don't agree with it.

How It's Used

Politics

"The candidate clarified their position on climate change."

Debate

"She defended her position with strong arguments."

Tip:Think about what side you stand on during a debate. That's your position.
3

A job or role that someone has, especially within an organization.

pəˈzɪʃən

nounneutralBeginner
Occupation

A job or role.

The company is hiring for several new positions.

💡 Simply: It's the job you do. Like, the position of a teacher is to teach.

👶 For kids: A job you have.

More Examples

2

He was promoted to a managerial position.

3

She left her position to start her own business.

How It's Used

Employment

"She applied for a marketing position at the company."

Business

"He held a high-level position within the organization."

Tip:Think of the role you fill at work. That's your position.
4

To place or arrange something in a particular place or situation.

pəˈzɪʃən

verbneutralmedium
Action

To place or put something in a particular place or situation.

She positioned herself near the exit.

💡 Simply: To put something somewhere, like positioning a book on a shelf.

👶 For kids: To put something somewhere on purpose.

More Examples

2

The company positioned its product as a premium brand.

3

The photographer positioned the model in front of the scenic backdrop.

How It's Used

Furniture

"She carefully positioned the chair by the window."

Strategy

"The army positioned its troops strategically."

Tip:Think of carefully setting something. That's positioning it.

Idioms & expressions

in a position to

Having the ability or the right to do something.

"The training course put me in a position to apply for the job."

take a position

To express an opinion or belief about something.

"The senator took a strong position on the new tax law."

assume a position

To take on or adopt a particular role or stance.

"The athlete assumed a competitive position."

From Latin *positio* (“a placing, situation”), from *ponere* (“to place”).

The word 'position' has been used in English since the 15th century, initially relating to the action of placing something, and later expanding to include concepts of viewpoint and role.

Memory tip

Think of where you physically put something. Its position matters!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"a placing, situation"

take a positionhold a positionprime positiondefensive positionclarify one's position

Common misspellings

posistionpozitionposision

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written