sit
sit — verb
1. to place your body weight on your seat area — usually on a chair, the floor, or
to place your body weight on your seat area — usually on a chair, the floor, or another surface — with your upper body upright; or to put someone else into that position.
Theo sat on the wooden bench and opened his lunch bag.
sit + on + [surface]
Tendai sat the little girl on a high stool so she could see the stage.
transitive: sit + person + on + [location]
The children were told to sit quietly on the floor in a circle.
sit + adverb (quietly)
An old man sat by the window reading a newspaper all afternoon.
sit + prepositional phrase
Please sit next to your partner so you can share the book.
sit + next to + [person]
- sit on a chair
- sit on the floor
- sit at a table
- sit down
- sit up
- sit still
- be seated
more formal; describes the state rather than the action
- take a seat
polite instruction, as in 'please take a seat'
- stand
to be on your feet with weight on your legs
Grammar Patterns
sit + [preposition/adverb]
sit + object + [preposition/adverb]
Usage Note
Transitive use (cause someone to sit) is less common than intransitive. The object is usually a child or an animal, and a location phrase is almost always required.
Common Mistakes
2. to stay still in a particular position so that a painter, sculptor, or photograp
to stay still in a particular position so that a painter, sculptor, or photographer can make a picture of you.
Élise sat for the painter three times before the portrait was finished.
sit for + [artist]
The museum hired local students to sit as models for life-drawing classes.
sit as [a model]
Brian sat patiently while the photographer adjusted the lighting behind him.
Yara asked her grandmother to sit for a family photograph in the garden.
sit for + [photo type]
- sit for a portrait
- sit for a photograph
- sit as a model
Grammar Patterns
sit for + [person]
sit + for + [purpose]
Usage Note
Always followed by 'for' or 'as' when specifying the artist or role. The preposition 'for' introduces the person or purpose.
3. to bend the back legs and lower the rear body to the ground, keeping the front l
to bend the back legs and lower the rear body to the ground, keeping the front legs straight — used mainly for dogs and other four-legged animals.
Baraka told his dog to sit before giving it a treat.
command: tell/call + animal + to sit
A small brown dog sat by the gate and waited for its owner.
The cats in the shelter sit in a row every evening at feeding time.
animal sits + [time/location phrase]
When the puppy sits on command, Cyrus gives it a piece of cheese.
sit on command
- sit on command
- dog sits
- tell a dog to sit
Grammar Patterns
sit + [adverb]
animal + sits
Usage Note
Most commonly used for dogs. For cats and other animals, 'sit' is also correct but less frequent. The command form 'Sit!' is a standard obedience cue.
4. to settle on a nest, using the parent bird's body to warm the eggs until the bab
to settle on a nest, using the parent bird's body to warm the eggs until the baby birds come out of their shells; or to perch on a branch or other high spot.
A mother sparrow sat on her nest under the roof for two weeks.
bird + sit on + [nest]
The hen sits her eggs every spring without ever leaving them.
transitive: sit + eggs
Pigeons often sit on the ledge outside the library windows.
bird + sit on + [surface]
Beatriz watched a blue jay sit quietly on a branch near the feeder.
The robin sat on its eggs through a storm that lasted all night.
- sit on eggs
- sit on a nest
- sit on a branch
Grammar Patterns
bird + sits + on + [eggs/nest]
bird + sits + eggs
Usage Note
Transitive use ('sit eggs') is limited to domestic birds such as hens. For wild birds, the intransitive pattern 'sit on eggs' is far more common.
5. to remain somewhere untouched, unmoved, or unused for an extended period — used
to remain somewhere untouched, unmoved, or unused for an extended period — used for objects that have been ignored or forgotten.
Those old books have been sitting on the shelf for years untouched.
present perfect continuous: have been sitting
A broken bicycle sat in the garage until Andrei finally fixed it.
Hoa found a box of old photographs sitting in the back of a closet.
found + [object] + sitting + [location]
The car just sits in the driveway because nobody in the family can drive.
sits + [location] + reason clause
- sit untouched
- sit gathering dust
- sit on a shelf
- sit in a corner
- sit around
- gather dust
more vivid; adds the image of dust collecting on the unused object
- stay
neutral; does not carry the sense of neglect or disuse
- move
to change position or be transported somewhere else
Grammar Patterns
object + sits + [adverb of place]
sit + around
Usage Note
Commonly used with present perfect continuous ('has been sitting') to emphasise how long something has been unused. Often expresses a tone of waste or neglect.
6. to occupy a physical spot, such as a building on a hill or a town beside a river
to occupy a physical spot, such as a building on a hill or a town beside a river — used when describing where something is positioned.
The village sits at the foot of a large mountain in the north.
settlement + sits + [location]
A small wooden shed sits behind the main house near the garden.
The new hospital sits on a hill overlooking the whole city.
building + sits + [location] + overlooking...
Those two tall towers sit on the riverbank next to the old bridge.
object + sits + [prepositional phrase]
A large stone fountain sits in the middle of the town square.
- sit on
- sit at
- sit by
- sit in
- sit near
- be located
more formal; commonly used in writing and official descriptions
- stand
suggests a vertical or upright position
- lie
suggests a flat or horizontal position; often used for landscapes
Grammar Patterns
subject + sits + [prepositional phrase of place]
Usage Note
This sense is about physical placement only, not suitability or correctness (contrast with sense 12, 'SEEM RIGHT' in a separate chunk). For abstract location (e.g. 'the decision sits well with me'), see the suitability sense.
7. When you describe how clothes sit, you mean the way they lie against or hang aro
When you describe how clothes sit, you mean the way they lie against or hang around the body — for instance, whether they feel loose, rest flat on the shoulders, or are tight across the waist.
The jacket sits well on her shoulders and does not feel tight.
sit + adverb/preposition describing fit of clothes
Élise tried on the dress, but it sat awkwardly around her hips.
These trousers sit low on the waist, which makes them very comfortable.
sit + adverb/preposition for fit of clothes
The collar sits too high on his neck, so he put the shirt back.
Nadia bought the coat because it sat perfectly across her back.
- sit well
- sit awkwardly
- sit loosely
- sit tightly
- sit on
- sit around
- sit at
Grammar Patterns
sit + adverb/preposition
Usage Note
Subject of this sense is always the item of clothing, not the person wearing it.
Common Mistakes
8. When an official body such as a committee, parliament, or panel of judges gather
When an official body such as a committee, parliament, or panel of judges gathers to carry out its duties, it sits for a session.
The committee will sit again next Tuesday to discuss the budget.
sit for official meetings of committees, courts, etc.
The court sat for three hours before reaching a verdict.
Parliament sits until late in the evening when there is an important debate.
sit for official sessions — parliament, court, panel
The panel sat for two weeks to review all the evidence.
Ife attended the session when the council sat to vote on the new law.
- sit for
- sit until
- sit to
- sit again
- sit in session
Grammar Patterns
sit + (time/duration) + to-infinitive
Usage Note
The subject is always a collective body (committee, court, parliament, panel, council), never an individual. To describe an individual taking part, use sense 9 (sit on).
9. To be chosen or appointed to take part in the work of a committee, board, panel,
To be chosen or appointed to take part in the work of a committee, board, panel, or similar official group.
Caleb sits on the board of the local hospital.
sit on [committee/board/panel]
Anjali has been sitting on the school committee for three years.
Three judges will sit on the panel that decides the winner of the award.
sit on [committee/board/panel]
Eitan sits on the safety review board for the construction company.
Lucía was asked to sit on the organising team for the annual festival.
- sit on
- sit as
- sit for
- sit in
Grammar Patterns
sit on [committee/board/panel]
Usage Note
Always requires the preposition on before the name of the group. Unlike sense 8, the subject is an individual person, not the group itself.
Common Mistakes
10. To write answers to the questions in a formal test or examination, especially as
To write answers to the questions in a formal test or examination, especially as part of a school course or a qualification (British English).
James will sit his final maths exam next Monday.
sit + exam (BrE, transitive)
Students across the country are sitting the university entrance test this week.
Elena sat the driving test twice before she passed.
sit + exam/test
Hyun decided to sit the English proficiency exam to apply for the scholarship.
Salma sat her history exam early because she had a family trip planned.
- sit an exam
- sit a test
- sit an examination
- sit for a subject (archaic BrE)
- take
more common internationally; sit is primarily BrE
Grammar Patterns
sit [exam/test/examination]
Usage Note
Primarily British English. In American English, take the exam is preferred. The object can be a specific subject (sit history) or a type of test (sit the driving test).
Common Mistakes
11. To watch over someone else's young child or children in the parents' absence — f
To watch over someone else's young child or children in the parents' absence — for example, in the evening while the parents go out for a meal or an event.
Could you sit for the neighbours' children on Saturday evening?
sit for [children/family] (short for babysit)
Christopher sits for the Wilson family every Friday night.
Nadia earned extra money by sitting for several families in the area.
sit for [family] — intransitive use
I cannot go out tonight because I am sitting for my sister's kids.
Salma often sits for the baby next door when the parents need a break.
- sit for
- sit with
Grammar Patterns
sit for [children/family]
sit + object
Usage Note
A shortened form of babysit, common in British English. Usually intransitive (sit for someone), though transitive use (sit the children) occurs informally.
Common Mistakes
12. To look or feel correct and harmonious where something is located or how it is r
To look or feel correct and harmonious where something is located or how it is received — for example, a piece of furniture in a room, or a remark in a discussion.
The large painting does not sit well in such a small room.
sit well/badly in [place]
His sharp comments did not sit well with the rest of the team.
sit well with [someone] (figurative)
That modern sofa would sit nicely in the corner of your living room.
Her decision to leave the company did not sit well with the manager.
sit well with [someone] (figurative)
The new building does not sit naturally among the old houses in the street.
- sit well
- sit badly
- sit comfortably
- sit naturally
- sit with
- sit among
- sit in
Grammar Patterns
sit well/comfortably/naturally + adverb/preposition
sit with [someone]
Usage Note
Most common in negative or question constructions (does not sit well, would it sit better...). The adverb well appears in the majority of uses. Can describe both physical placement and abstract acceptability.
Common Mistakes
sit about
phrasal verbTo spend time sitting and doing nothing active.
Instead of working, he sat about all day watching TV.
The children sat about in the park, bored and listless.
sit around
phrasal verbTo spend time sitting and not doing anything useful.
We sat around the campfire telling stories all night.
Stop sitting around and help me clean the house.
sit back
phrasal verbTo relax and not become involved in something, especially after making an effort.
After finishing the project, Brian sat back and enjoyed his success.
Sit back and let the movie entertain you.
sit by
phrasal verbTo stay near someone or something, or to do nothing to prevent something bad.
She sat by her sick friend's bedside all night.
How can you sit by and let them bully him?
sit down
phrasal verbTo move from a standing position to a sitting position.
Please sit down and make yourself comfortable.
After a long walk, they sat down on a bench to rest.
sit down and do
phrasal verbTo start doing something seriously, especially after avoiding it.
I need to sit down and write my essay tonight.
Let's sit down and plan our vacation together.
sit for
phrasal verbTo take an exam or test.
She will sit for the university entrance exam next week.
He sat for the bar exam and passed with high marks.
sit in for
phrasal verbTo take someone's place temporarily, especially in a job or meeting.
Can you sit in for me at the meeting tomorrow?
The vice principal sat in for the principal during her absence.
sit in on
phrasal verbTo attend a meeting or class as an observer without participating.
The new teacher sat in on a few classes to learn the methods.
I sat in on the board meeting but did not vote.
sit on
phrasal verbTo delay dealing with something, or to be a member of a committee.
The committee sat on the report for months without action.
She sits on the board of directors for a local charity.
sit out
phrasal verbTo not participate in an activity, especially a dance or game.
I'll sit out this dance because my foot hurts.
He decided to sit out the game due to an injury.
sit through
phrasal verbTo stay until the end of something boring or unpleasant.
We had to sit through a three-hour lecture on taxes.
The children sat through the entire movie without complaining.
sit up
phrasal verbTo move from a lying position to a sitting position, or to stay awake late.
She sat up in bed when she heard the noise.
We sat up late talking about our childhood memories.
sit yourself down
phrasal verbTo sit down, especially when telling someone to do so.
Sit yourself down and tell me what happened.
He sat himself down at the table and ordered coffee.
be sitting pretty
idiomTo be in a very good or comfortable situation, especially when others are not.
After winning the lottery, Mia is sitting pretty for life.
With a new contract, the company is sitting pretty this year.
To stop trying to improve because you are satisfied with what you have already achieved.
After winning the championship, the team cannot rest on their laurels.
Sara refused to sit on her laurels and kept learning new skills.
To admire and learn from someone, usually a teacher or expert.
Many young musicians sat at the feet of the famous composer.
Diego sat at his mentor's feet and absorbed every lesson.
To sit or stand with your back very straight and rigid.
When the teacher entered, the students sat bolt upright.
The guard stood bolt upright, not moving a muscle.
To seem appropriate, natural, or acceptable in a particular situation.
His casual remarks did not sit well with the formal audience.
The new policy sits easily with the company's values.
To criticize or judge someone's behavior, especially when you have no right to do so.
How dare you sit in judgement on me without knowing the facts?
She sat in judgement over her colleagues' choices, which annoyed them.
sit on the fence
idiomTo avoid making a decision or taking a side in a disagreement.
During the debate, many politicians sat on the fence.
Maya refused to sit on the fence and clearly stated her opinion.
To do nothing to help someone or to prevent something bad from happening.
We cannot sit silently by while they destroy the forest.
The teacher stood silently by as the students argued.
sit tight
idiomTo stay where you are and not move, or to wait patiently for something.
The rescuers told us to sit tight until help arrived.
Investors are advised to sit tight during the market downturn.
sit — noun
1. the way that a piece of clothing fits on or hangs from a person's body
the way that a piece of clothing fits on or hangs from a person's body
The tailor checked the sit of the jacket at the shoulders.
collocation: sit of [garment]
Bao admired the perfect sit of his new silk blouse.
A good sit across the back makes a dress look elegant.
collocation: good sit / perfect sit
The sit of these trousers feels tighter than the last pair.
- sit of [garment]
- good sit
- perfect sit
- poor sit
Usage Note
More common in British English and in tailoring or fashion contexts. The noun 'sit' is less frequent than the verb 'sit'.
Common Mistakes
2. a period of time during which someone sits, or a single act of sitting down
a period of time during which someone sits, or a single act of sitting down
After a long sit in the waiting room, Asher finally saw the doctor.
collocation: long sit / brief sit
The old dog enjoyed a brief sit by the warm fire after dinner.
Ritu took a sit on the grass to rest during the hike.
collocation: take a sit / have a sit
A short sit on the park bench helped clear Esteban's mind.
- long sit
- brief sit
- short sit
- have a sit
- take a sit
Usage Note
Often paired with an adjective describing duration ('long,' 'brief,' 'short'). The construction 'have a sit' or 'take a sit' is informal.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- sitsverbA1
- satverbA1
- sittingverbA1
- sitternounB1
- babysitverbA2
- babysitternounA2
- sit-innounC1
- sit-downnounB2
- sitting-roomnounB1
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
Sit, seat, and set are easily confused because they share similar forms and all relate to positioning. Sit (➊) is intransitive or transitive when you physically lower yourself or another onto a surface: 'I sat on the sofa.' Seat (➋) is transitive only — you seat someone else or yourself in a designated place: 'She seated the guests at the table.' You cannot seat yourself by just saying 'I seated' without an object. Set (➌) means to put or place an object somewhere, not a person: 'He set the vase on the shelf.' The key difference: sit involves your own body or helping another person's body into a resting position; seat focuses on assigning someone to a formal place (a seat); set is for objects only. A final tip: if you can replace the word with 'place' or 'put,' use set. If you can replace it with 'take a seat,' use sit or seat.
Common collocations
Etymology
sit 源自古英語 sittan（坐下、棲息），從原始日耳曼語 *sitjaną 演變而來，與德語 sitzen、荷蘭語 zitten 同源。名詞用法（合身度、坐著的時間）是從動詞在 18 世紀後期逐步發展而來的。