English Reference
noun · verb

position

n. · v.
US /pəˈzɪʃən/ UK /pəzˈɪʃən/ po·si·tion UK spelling positions

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.the place where someone or something is located.

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

    Simple

    The map shows the exact position of the hidden treasure.

    In context

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

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.a specific job or role in a company.

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

    Simple

    She applied for a management position at the local bank.

    In context

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

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.the way you hold your body when sitting or standing.

    n.the configuration or posture of the body or its parts.

    Simple

    Try to maintain a comfortable sitting position while you work.

    In context

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

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.your opinion or way of thinking about a specific topic.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate Sport

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

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

    Simple

    What position do you play on the football team?

    In context

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

  7. 07 C1 Advanced Technical Finance

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  8. 08 B1 Intermediate

    v.to put something in a specific place or way.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

Usage position last · position every time · position simply


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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin positiō
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated