v.
(sits, sitting; past and past part. sat
/sat/
)
- be or cause to be in a position in which one's weight is supported by one's buttocks rather than one's feet and one's back is upright.
▸(of an animal) rest with the hind legs bent and the body close to the ground.
▸(of a table or room) have enough seats for.
▸
(sit for)
pose for (an artist or photographer).
▸N. Amer. not use (a player) in a game.
- be or remain in a particular position or state.
▸
(sit with)
be harmonious with.
- (of a parliament, committee, court of law, etc.) be engaged in its business.
▸serve as a member of a council, jury, or other official body.
- Brit. take (an examination).
-
[usu. in combination]
look after children, pets, or a house while the parents or owners are out or away:
they want me to house-sit for them.
- (of a bird) remain on its nest to incubate its egg.
n.
a period of sitting.
Phrase
- sit tight
informal - remain firmly in one's place.
- refrain from taking action or changing one's mind.
Phrase verbal
Usage
It is good English to use the present participle sitting rather than the past participle sat with the verb ‘to be’: we were sitting there for hours rather than we were sat there for hours.
Etymology
OE sittan, of Gmc origin.