ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sedentary

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈsɛdənˌtɛɹi// UK //sˈɛdəntəɹi// seden·tary Archaic

adj. spending a lot of time sitting down and not moving much. You use this to describe a lifestyle or job that does not involve much physical activity.

adj. characterised by much sitting and little physical exercise. Often describes a lifestyle, occupation, or species that remains in one place.


SIMPLE

Office workers often have a sedentary lifestyle.

CONTEXTUAL

Doctors warn that a sedentary job can lead to health problems if you do not exercise after work.

COMPLEX

The transition from a nomadic existence to a sedentary agricultural society fundamentally altered human social structures and dietary requirements.

Origin

From Middle French sédentaire, from Latin sedentārius (“sitting”), from sedeō (“I sit, I am seated”).

Usage

Often used to modify nouns like 'lifestyle', 'job', 'occupation', or 'habit'.

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