Sitting
'sɪtɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo be in a position in which the body is supported by the buttocks or thighs.
'sɪtɪŋ
Being in a position in which one's weight is supported by one's buttocks or thighs.
She was sitting at the table, reading a book.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're relaxing on a comfy sofa. You're *sitting*! It's like taking a break for your legs.
👶 For kids: When you put your bottom on a chair, you are sitting!
More Examples
The dog is sitting by the door, waiting for its walk.
Please sit down and make yourself comfortable.
How It's Used
"He is sitting on the couch."
"The jury members were sitting in silence."
To be a member of a committee, jury, or other body, especially one with a formal role.
'sɪtɪŋ
To be a member of a body, such as a committee or a parliament.
The jury is currently sitting on the case.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of people, like a school council or a government. They are *sitting*, meaning they're officially meeting and making decisions.
👶 For kids: When grown-ups are in charge and having a meeting, they are sitting!
More Examples
Parliament will be sitting next week to debate the new budget.
The committee members are sitting to review applications.
How It's Used
"The committee is sitting to discuss the new legislation."
"The court is sitting in the morning."
The act of being in a seated position, or the period during which one is seated.
'sɪtɪŋ
The act or posture of sitting.
The model maintained her sitting for hours.
💡 Simply: Imagine the moment you plop down on a chair or couch. That's a *sitting*, the action of being seated.
👶 For kids: When you are resting your bottom on something, that's a sitting.
More Examples
She enjoyed a long sitting by the river.
The posture of the sitting can impact your back health.
How It's Used
"The artist captured the woman's sitting in the portrait."
"After a long day, the best thing is a comfortable sitting."
Synonyms
Perch
Rest
Settle
Assemble
Convene
Meet
Position
Posture
Idioms & expressions
sit tight
To wait patiently and not take any action.
"Just sit tight until the police arrive."
sitting duck
A person or thing that is an easy target.
"Without a good defense, our team will be a sitting duck."
From Middle English sitten, from Old English sittan ('to sit'), from Proto-Germanic *setjaną ('to cause to sit').
The word 'sitting' has been used in English since the Old English period. It was originally used primarily to refer to the physical act of resting.
Memory tip
Think of a chair: you *sit* in it.