What is sit down? Pronunciation and usage in English

sit down means . Learn how to pronounce and use sit down through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of sit down

sit downverb

/sɪt//sɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of sit down

Okay, let's break down the pronunciation of "sit down" in English:

  • Sit: Pronounced like "sit" – as in, to rest. The "i" is a short "i" sound, like in "sit."
  • Down: Pronounced like "dawn." It's the same sound as the word "dawn."

Combined, it sounds like: "Sit dawn"

Here's a more detailed breakdown with emphasis:

  • Sit: ˈsɪt (The 't' is very light and almost silent)
  • Down: daʊn (The "ow" sound is similar to the "o" in "go")

Resources for Hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word sit down in English

Let's break down how to use "sit down" in English. It's a really common phrase, but it has a few different uses and nuances.

1. The Most Common Use: An Invitation to Be Still

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent way "sit down" is used. It’s an invitation for someone to stop moving and take a seat. It's polite and encouraging.
  • Example:
    • "Please, sit down. You look tired."
    • "Come on, sit down and let's talk."
    • "Would you sit down over here?"

2. Giving a Command (Often with a Slightly Firm Tone)

  • Meaning: You can use "sit down" as a direct instruction, but it often implies a bit more urgency or that the person needs to sit down. It can sometimes feel a little abrupt depending on your tone.
  • Example:
    • " Sit down! You’re blocking the doorway." (This is often used when someone is preventing access.)
    • " Sit down and stop fidgeting!" (More forceful, suggesting impatience.)

3. Responding to Movement (Often Reflexive)

  • Meaning: You might use "sit down" in response to someone already sitting down. It's a confirmation or acknowledgment.
  • Example:
    • Person A: "I'm just going to rest my legs for a minute."
    • Person B: "Sit down." (Meaning: "Okay, you're sitting down.")

4. Describing an Action (Less Common – More Formal)

  • Meaning: Occasionally, you'll see "sit down" used in a passive voice to describe the act of sitting. This is less common in everyday speech.
  • Example: “He sat down heavily on the chair.”

Important Considerations & Tone:

  • Politeness: "Sit down" is generally polite, especially when used as an invitation. Adding phrases like "please" makes it even more so.
  • Tone of Voice: Your tone significantly impacts how "sit down" is perceived. A gentle tone invites, while a sharp tone commands.
  • Context: The situation matters. "Sit down and tell me what happened" is different than “Sit down!” shouted in frustration.

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Use Meaning Tone Example
Invitation Please take a seat Polite "Sit down, please."
Command Stop moving, sit down Firm, sometimes abrupt "Sit down! It’s crowded."
Response Acknowledging someone sitting Neutral “He sat down.”
Descriptive (rare) The act of sitting down Formal “She sat down with a sigh.”

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Synonyms for the word sit down

Practice with vocabulary sit down

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Please ______________ before the presentation begins.
  2. The doctor advised him to ______________ and rest for a while.
  3. Could you ______________ and share your thoughts on the proposal?
  4. The students were asked to ______________ and pay attention to the lecturer.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. After hours of standing, my feet ached, and all I wanted to do was ______________. a) lie down b) stand up c) sit down d) run away

  2. Before we begin the meeting, everyone please ______________ comfortably. a) take a seat b) stand still c) sit down d) remain standing

  3. The manager invited the new employee to ______________ for their onboarding discussion. a) arrive early b) sit down c) begin work d) pull up a chair

  4. The team decided to ______________ a new project management system to improve efficiency. a) set up b) sit up c) stand up d) put down

  5. During the intense debate, she felt the urge to ______________ and express her strong opinion. a) keep quiet b) speak up c) calm down d) voice her opinion

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The children were instructed to get into their chairs quietly. (Rewrite using "sit down")
  2. After the long journey, all I wanted was to assume a comfortable position. (Rewrite using "sit down" or a related word form)
  3. The committee members gathered for their weekly review. (Rewrite without using "sit down")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. sit down
  2. lie down
  3. sit down
  4. stand up

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) lie down, c) sit down
  2. a) take a seat, c) sit down
  3. b) sit down, d) pull up a chair
  4. a) set up
  5. b) speak up, d) voice her opinion

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The children were instructed to sit down quietly.
  2. After the long journey, all I wanted was to sit down comfortably.
  3. The committee members took their seats for their weekly review.

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