ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sit

v. · n.
US //ˈsɪt// UK //sˈɪt// sit
Irregular verb past sat past participle sat
  1. 1 to rest on a seat (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to be in a position where your bottom is on a chair or the floor and your back is upright.

    to rest with the torso upright and the body's weight supported by the buttocks and thighs.

    Example

    We sat on the park bench for an hour and watched the birds.

    Example

    The elderly gentleman preferred to sit in the armchair by the window, where the light was best for reading his morning newspaper.
    Pitfall
    He is sitting on the table.
    He is sitting at the table.

    Use 'at the table' if you are eating or working; 'on the table' means you are physically on top of the furniture.

  2. 2 to move into a seat (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to move your body from standing to a sitting position.

    to transition from a standing to a seated posture. Often used with the particle 'down'.

    Example

    Please sit down and make yourself comfortable while I get some tea.

    Example

    The audience was requested to sit once the national anthem had concluded and the guest of honour had reached the podium.
Show 6 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 to be located (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to be in a particular place or position.

    to occupy a specific location or position; often used of inanimate objects to describe their placement.

    Example

    The old house sits on top of a hill overlooking the sea.

    Example

    The dusty trophies continued to sit on the mantelpiece, serving as a silent reminder of the school's former athletic glory.
  2. 4 official meeting (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    when a group of people like a court or parliament has an official meeting.

    to be in session or to perform official duties in a deliberative or judicial capacity.

    Example

    Parliament will sit next week to discuss the new education laws.

    Example

    The High Court is scheduled to sit in the capital this month to hear the landmark environmental appeal.
  3. 5 to take an exam (v.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

    to take a test or an exam.

    to undergo or complete a formal examination. Transitive in this sense.

    Example

    I have to sit my final driving test tomorrow morning.

    Example

    Medical students are required to sit a series of rigorous practical assessments before they can qualify for their clinical rotations.
  4. 6 to fit (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way a piece of clothing fits your body.

    to fit or hang in a particular way when worn.

    Example

    That jacket sits very well on your shoulders.

    Example

    The tailor noted that the silk gown did not sit correctly across the bodice, requiring further adjustments to the seams.
  5. 7 to be acceptable (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to be accepted or liked by someone.

    to be perceived or accepted in a specific way; usually used with 'well' or 'badly'.

    Example

    His rude comment didn't sit well with the rest of the team.

    Example

    The board's decision to reduce the annual bonus did not sit well with the senior staff, leading to a formal grievance.
  6. 8 act of sitting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a period of time spent sitting down.

    a period of time during which one remains seated, often for a specific purpose like a meal or a portrait.

    Example

    I managed to finish the whole book in one sit.

    Example

    The artist requested a second sit to finalise the details of the subject's expression under the studio lights.
Idioms15 entries

© 2026 English Reference