Sit — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈsit/

Meaning & Definition of Sit

Sit (verb)

  1. to rest on the buttocks or haunches —often used with down
  2. perch, roost
  3. to occupy a place as a member of an official body

Sit (noun)

  1. the manner in which a garment fits
  2. an act or period of sitting

Sit (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to rest on the buttocks or haunches

    "everybody needs to sit down because it's time for class"

    similar: set (chiefly dialect)
  2. to cause to sit down

    "the host had to sit some of the guests on the porch"

    similar: seat, set down
  3. to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop

    "we didn't want to disturb the hens, as they were sitting"

    similar: brood, hatch, incubate, set
    related: lay, spawn
  4. to occupy a place or location

    "the monument that sits at the entrance to the battlefield"

    similar: be, bear, lie, stand

Related Entry: Sit tight (phrase)

Sit tight is a different word from Sit. The synonyms below are for sit tight, not for sit.

  1. to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something

    "Sit tight and I'll be back in a minute."

  2. to remain out of sight

    "He told his partner to sit tight while he went to get backup."

    related: slink, sneak, avoid, elude, evade
    opposite: appear

Related Entry: Sit in (verb)

Sit in is a different word from Sit. The synonyms below are for sit in, not for sit.

  1. as in walk, walk out

Related Entry: Sit on (verb)

Sit on is a different word from Sit. The synonyms below are for sit on, not for sit.

  1. as in put down, crack down (on)

Related Entry: Sit-down (noun)

Sit-down is a different word from Sit. The synonyms below are for sit-down, not for sit.

  1. as in sit-in, slowdown

Related Entry: Sit-downs (noun)

Sit-downs is a different word from Sit. The synonyms below are for sit-downs, not for sit.

  1. as in sit-ins, slowdowns

Related Entry: Sit-in (noun)

Sit-in is a different word from Sit. The synonyms below are for sit-in, not for sit.

  1. as in sit-down, go-slow

Related Entry: Sit-ins (noun)

Sit-ins is a different word from Sit. The synonyms below are for sit-ins, not for sit.

  1. as in sit-downs, go-slows

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Sit

The most common words with a similar meaning to Sit:

Chiefly dialect: set

Near Antonyms of Sit

Word Forms of Sit

Inflections: sat, sitting

Origin & Etymology of Sit

Middle English sitten, from Old English sittan; akin to Old High German sizzen to sit, Latin sedēre, Greek hezesthai to sit, hedra seat

First known use: before 12th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Sit

Words & Phrases Containing Sit

Frequently Asked Questions about Sit

What does "Sit" mean?

"Sit" means to rest on the buttocks or haunches —often used with down. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to rest on the buttocks or haunches —often used with down. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Sit"?

Other words for "Sit" include set, seat, set down, brood, hatch, incubate, be and bear. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Sit" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Sit"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Sit". Common alternatives include set, seat, set down, brood, hatch, incubate, be, bear, lie and stand.

How do you use "Sit" in a sentence?

Examples of "Sit" in a sentence: "everybody needs to sit down because it's time for class"; "the host had to sit some of the guests on the porch"; "we didn't want to disturb the hens, as they were sitting".

Is "Sit" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Sit" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Sit" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Sit" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Sit"?

"Sit" is pronounced /ˈsit/.

What is the origin of the word "Sit"?

"Sit" comes from Middle English sitten, from Old English sittan; akin to Old High German sizzen to sit, Latin sedēre, Greek hezesthai to sit, hedra seat. First known use: before 12th centuryi.