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position

n. · v.
US //pəˈzɪʃən// UK //pəzˈɪʃən// po·si·tion
  1. 1 physical location (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the place where someone or something is located.

    the specific physical location or arrangement of an object or person.

    Example

    The map shows the exact position of the hidden treasure.

    Example

    The surveyor marked the precise position of the boundary line to ensure the new fence did not encroach on the neighbouring property.

  2. 2 a job (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a specific job or role in a company.

    a post of employment or a designated role within an organisational hierarchy.

    Example

    She applied for a management position at the local bank.

    Example

    After three years of consistent performance, he was finally promoted to a senior position within the research and development department.

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  1. 3 body posture (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the way you hold your body when sitting or standing.

    the configuration or posture of the body or its parts.

    Example

    Try to maintain a comfortable sitting position while you work.

    Example

    The yoga instructor adjusted the student's position to ensure their spine remained neutral during the difficult balance exercise.

  2. 4 an opinion (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    your opinion or way of thinking about a specific topic.

    a mental or emotional stance regarding a particular issue or argument.

    Example

    The government has not yet made its position clear on the new tax.

    Example

    The editorial board took a firm position against the proposed legislation, citing concerns over civil liberties and privacy.

  3. 5 rank or status (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone's level of importance or rank in society or a group.

    social or professional standing; a person's rank relative to others.

    Example

    His family held a high position in the local community for decades.

    Example

    Despite his wealth, he lacked the social position required to gain entry into the city's most exclusive private clubs.

  4. 6 sports role (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    the specific role a player has on a team during a game.

    the designated area of play and set of responsibilities assigned to an athlete.

    Example

    What position do you play on the football team?

    Example

    The coach decided to move the star player to a defensive position to counter the opponent's aggressive forward line.

  5. 7 finance (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Finance

    the amount of a specific stock or investment that a person or company owns.

    the net holdings of a specific security, commodity, or currency held by an investor.

    Example

    The firm decided to close its position in the tech company after the stock price dropped.

    Example

    The hedge fund manager maintained a large short position on the currency, betting that the central bank would be forced to devalue it.

  6. 8 to put in place (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to put something in a specific place or way.

    to move or place someone or something into a particular area or arrangement.

    Example

    The workers carefully positioned the heavy statue in the centre of the park.

    Example

    The marketing team positioned the new product as a luxury item to justify the higher price point compared to competitors.

Origin

From Middle English posicioun, from Old French posicion, from Latin positiō (“a putting, position”), from positus (“placed, situated”), past participle of pōnō (“to place”); see ponent. Compare apposition, composition, deposition; see pose.

Idioms2 entries

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