- position
- I UK [pəˈzɪʃ(ə)n] / US
noun [countable]
Word forms "position":
singular position plural positions
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1) the way that someone's body is placedI dragged myself into a sitting position.
First, get yourself into a comfortable position.
a) the way that an object is placedRaise the lever to the up position to get the water to flow.
The motor is mounted in the upright position.
b) a way of placing your body in ballet or yogac) a way that two people place their bodies when they are having sex2) a general situationThe position is that all new residents are assessed by a social worker.
a) a situation that a particular person is inI wouldn't boast about that if I were in your position.
be in a position to do something:Someone in their position can't afford to take that kind of risk.
I'm not in a position to say who my sources are.
b) used for talking about how much money a person or organization hasstrengthen/improve/consolidate someone's position (= make someone's financial situation better):What is your current financial position?
A further injection of capital strengthened the company's position.
3)a) where something is in relation to other thingsposition of:Place the plant in a bright sunny position.
Here is a chart showing the positions of the planets.
b) in team sports, the part of the field where a particular player plays"What position do you play?" "Centre forward."
4) an opinion about an important issueposition on:take a position:No one was sure of his position on any issue.
take the position that:Do you expect the government to take a position one way or another on this legislation?
The agency takes the position that the government's specifications were deficient.
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Collocations:
Verbs frequently used with position as the object ▪ adopt, maintain, occupy, strengthen, take5) a job in a companyThere are 12 women in management positions within the company.
I'm sorry, the position has already been filled (= someone has already been chosen to do the job).
6) someone's rank or status in an organization or in societya position of authority/responsibility/power:abuse your position (= try to get an unfair advantage from your position):Such behaviour was clearly not acceptable for someone in a position of authority.
He had seriously abused his position as a doctor by releasing patients' personal details.
7) the place that someone or something has in a list or competitionFollowing behind in fourth position is car number 47.
•in/into position
— in or into the correct placeLeave the bandage in position until the doctor tells you to remove it.
We watched the cameras move into position.
Derived word:
positional
adjectiveThere are two positional changes to the team.
II UK [pəˈzɪʃ(ə)n] / US verb [transitive]
Word forms "position":
present tense I/you/we/they position he/she/it positions present participle positioning past tense positioned past participle positioned
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1) to put something in a particular placePosition the microphone as close as possible to the source of sound.
Once the paper is positioned correctly, the printer should print with no problems.
2) business to make people think of a product in a particular wayResearch can help a company to position its product in the market.
•be well/ideally positioned
— to be in a good situation to be able to do somethingThe brand is well positioned to succeed in the Spanish market.
English dictionary. 2014.