# situ

CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/situ
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

in its original or natural place. You use this when something is being studied or kept exactly where it was found instead of being moved to a lab or museum.

For teachers: situated in the original, natural, or existing place or position. Often used in scientific, archaeological, or medical contexts to describe observations made without moving the subject.

## Examples

- The ancient mosaic was left in situ for tourists to see.
- Archaeologists decided to study the fragile artifacts in situ to avoid any damage during transport to the museum.
- The environmental impact study required researchers to monitor the coral reef in situ over several months to capture the natural fluctuations of the local ecosystem.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The statue was moved to in situ" but "The statue was kept in situ" — Learners sometimes treat 'in situ' as a destination, but it describes a fixed state of being in the original place.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb or a noun; frequently appears in the Latin phrase 'in situ'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.