sit down
- 01 A1 Beginner
to move from standing to sitting on a chair, the ground, or another surface.
to assume a sitting position from a standing one. The verb is intransitive in this primary sense.
Simple“Please sit down and make yourself comfortable while I make some tea.”
In context“The exhausted hikers finally reached the summit and sat down on the jagged rocks to catch their breath and admire the valley below.”
Synonymsbe seatedtake a seatAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to meet with someone to have a serious talk or to negotiate.
to meet formally or deliberately for the purpose of discussion, negotiation, or interrogation.
Simple“The two managers need to sit down and resolve their differences.”
In context“The union leaders agreed to sit down with the board of directors to discuss the new contract terms before the strike deadline.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
to help or tell someone else to sit in a chair.
to cause someone to be seated; functions transitively and often reflexively.
Simple“The nurse helped the patient sit down in the wheelchair.”
In context“She sat the crying child down on the sofa and tried to explain why they couldn't go to the park today.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
to live or stay in a specific place for a while.
to take up residence or stay at a location. Often associated with specific regional dialects or historical settlement contexts.
Simple“They decided to sit down in the valley where the water was clean.”
In context“Historical records suggest the group intended to sit down near the river, but the harsh winter forced them further south.”
Contrast 'sit down' (the action of sitting) with 'be sitting' (the state of being seated) using simple commands and descriptions.