Seat vs. Sit: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
'Seat' refers to a place for sitting or an object to sit on, while 'sit' is a verb meaning to rest in a seated position.
Key Differences
"Seat" is a noun or verb relating to a place for someone to sit, while "sit" is a verb that describes the action of resting in a seated position. A seat refers to a physical object or the space allocated for someone to sit, such as a chair or bench. On the other hand, to sit is what a person does when they rest in a sitting position, either on a seat or any other place where one can sit down.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
When discussing "seat," it may concern the act of placing someone in a position of authority or the space designated for sitting. In contrast, "sit" is used to describe the posture a person takes when they are seated, involving bending the knees and resting the body on a seat. A judge takes a seat at the bench, signifying their role, while the audience sits to observe the proceedings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
"Seat" can also imply a role or position of office, as in a parliamentary seat, which is more abstract compared to the physical act of sitting. "Sit" is unrelated to roles or titles and solely refers to the position of one's body. A member of parliament may win a seat in an election, but during sessions, they simply sit among their peers.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Using "seat" as a verb, one might seat guests, which means to guide them to their seats or arrange for their seating. Whereas, when using "sit," one could ask guests to sit, which means to take their seats. A host seats a guest at a wedding, and then the guest sits.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
In certain expressions, "seat" takes on a metaphorical meaning, such as "seat of power," whereas "sit" does not have such metaphorical uses and retains its literal meaning concerning the body's position. For example, Washington D.C. is the seat of power in the U.S., but politicians sit in the Capitol to conduct government business.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Seat and Sit Definitions
Seat
The right to sit in a legislative body.
After the election, the party gained 10 seats.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Sit
To rest with the torso upright and the body supported by the buttocks.
Please sit in the chair provided.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Seat
Something, such as a chair or bench, that may be sat on
There are comfortable seats in the waiting room.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To occupy a seat as a member of a body of officials.
He sits on the board of directors.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Seat
The part on which one rests in sitting
The seat of a chair.
A bicycle seat.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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Sit
To rest with the torso vertical and the body supported on the buttocks.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To rest with the hindquarters lowered onto a supporting surface. Used of animals.
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Oct 19, 2023
Seat
The right to occupy such a place or a ticket indicating this right
Got seats for the concert.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
The place where something is located or based
The heart is the seat of the emotions.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
A place of abode or residence, especially a large house that is part of an estate
The squire's country seat.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
Membership in an organization, such as a legislative body or stock exchange, that is obtained by appointment, election, or purchase.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To affect one with or as if with a burden; weigh
Official duties sat heavily upon the governor.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To fit, fall, or drape in a specified manner
The jacket sits perfectly on you.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
To cause or assist to sit down
The ushers will seat the members of the bride's family.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
To rest on or fit into another part
The O-rings had not seated correctly in their grooves.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
A place in which to sit.
There are two hundred seats in this classroom.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
The horizontal portion of a chair or other furniture designed for sitting.
He sat on the arm of the chair rather than the seat, which always annoyed his mother.
The seat of a saddle
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
A piece of furniture made for sitting; e.g. a chair, stool or bench; any improvised place for sitting.
She pulled the seat from under the table to allow him to sit down.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
The way in which an article of clothing, such as a dress or jacket, fits.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
The part of an object or individual (usually the buttocks) directly involved in sitting.
Instead of saying "sit down", she said "place your seat on this chair".
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To be in a position in which the upper body is upright and supported by the buttocks.
After a long day of walking, it was good just to sit and relax.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
The part of a piece of clothing (usually pants or trousers) covering the buttocks.
The seat of these trousers is almost worn through.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
(engineering) A part or surface on which another part or surface rests.
The seat of the valve had become corroded.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To occupy a given position.
The temple has sat atop that hill for centuries.
Jim's pet parrot sat on his left shoulder.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To remain in a state of repose; to rest; to abide; to rest in any position or condition.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
(figurative) A membership in an organization, particularly a representative body.
Our neighbor has a seat at the stock exchange and in congress.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
(government) To be a member of a deliberative body.
I currently sit on a standards committee.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
The location of a governing body.
Washington D.C. is the seat of the U.S. government.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
Of a legislative or, especially, a judicial body such as a court, to be in session.
In what city is the circuit court sitting for this session.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
(certain Commonwealth countries) An electoral district, especially for a national legislature.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
The place occupied by anything, or where any person, thing or quality is situated or resides; a site.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To be accepted or acceptable; to work.
How will this new contract sit with the workers?
I don’t think it will sit well.
The violence in these video games sits awkwardly with their stated aim of educating children.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
One of a series of departmental placements given to a trainee solicitor as part of their training contract.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To cause to be seated or in a sitting posture; to furnish a seat to.
Sit him in front of the TV and he might watch for hours.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
(historical) Any of several autonomous regions in the medieval Kingdom of Hungary.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
(transitive) To accommodate in seats; to seat.
The dining room table sits eight comfortably.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To babysit.
I'm going to sit for them on Thursday.
I need to find someone to sit my kids on Friday evening for four hours.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
(transitive) To put an object into a place where it will rest; to fix; to set firm.
Be sure to seat the gasket properly before attaching the cover.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
(transitive) To provide with a place to sit.
This classroom seats two hundred students.
The waiter seated us and asked what we would like to drink.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To take a position for the purpose of having some artistic representation of oneself made, such as a picture or a bust.
I'm sitting for a painter this evening.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
(transitive) To request or direct one or more persons to sit.
Please seat the audience after the anthem and then introduce the first speaker.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To have position, as at the point blown from; to hold a relative position; to have direction.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
To recognize the standing of a person or persons by providing them with one or more seats which would allow them to participate fully in a meeting or session.
Only half the delegates from the state were seated at the convention because the state held its primary too early.
You have to be a member to be seated at the meeting. Guests are welcome to sit in the visitors section.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To keep one's seat when faced with (a blow, attack); to endure, to put up with.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
(transitive) To cause to occupy a post, site, or situation; to station; to establish; to fix; to settle.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
An event, usually lasting one full day or more, where the primary goal is to sit in meditation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To rest upon the haunches, or the lower extremity of the trunk of the body; - said of human beings, and sometimes of other animals; as, to sit on a sofa, on a chair, or on the ground.
And he came and took the book put of the right hand of him that sate upon the seat.
I pray you, jest, sir, as you sit at dinner.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To perch; to rest with the feet drawn up, as birds do on a branch, pole, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To remain in a state of repose; to rest; to abide; to rest in any position or condition.
And Moses said to . . . the children of Reuben, Shall your brothren go to war, and shall ye sit here?
Like a demigod here sit I in the sky.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
The place or thing upon which one sits; hence; anything made to be sat in or upon, as a chair, bench, stool, saddle, or the like.
And Jesus . . . overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To lie, rest, or bear; to press or weigh; - with on; as, a weight or burden sits lightly upon him.
The calamity sits heavy on us.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
The place occupied by anything, or where any person or thing is situated, resides, or abides; a site; an abode, a station; a post; a situation.
Where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is.
He that builds a fair house upon an ill seat committeth himself to prison.
A seat of plenty, content, and tranquillity.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To be adjusted; to fit; as, a coat sts well or ill.
This new and gorgeous garment, majesty,Sits not so easy on me as you think.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
That part of a thing on which a person sits; as, the seat of a chair or saddle; the seat of a pair of pantaloons.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To suit one well or ill, as an act; to become; to befit; - used impersonally.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
A sitting; a right to sit; regular or appropriate place of sitting; as, a seat in a church; a seat for the season in the opera house.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To cover and warm eggs for hatching, as a fowl; to brood; to incubate.
As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
Posture, or way of sitting, on horseback.
She had so good a seat and hand she might be trusted with any mount.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To have position, as at the point blown from; to hold a relative position; to have direction.
Like a good miller that knows how to grind, which way soever the wind sits.
Sits the wind in that quarter?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
A part or surface on which another part or surface rests; as, a valve seat.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To occupy a place or seat as a member of an official body; as, to sit in Congress.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
To place on a seat; to cause to sit down; as, to seat one's self.
The guests were no sooner seated but they entered into a warm debate.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To hold a session; to be in session for official business; - said of legislative assemblies, courts, etc.; as, the court sits in January; the aldermen sit to-night.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
To cause to occupy a post, site, situation, or the like; to station; to establish; to fix; to settle.
Thus high . . . is King Richard seated.
They had seated themselves in New Guiana.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To take a position for the purpose of having some artistic representation of one's self made, as a picture or a bust; as, to sit to a painter.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
To assign a seat to, or the seats of; to give a sitting to; as, to seat a church, or persons in a church.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To sit upon; to keep one's seat upon; as, he sits a horse well.
Hardly the muse can sit the headstrong horse.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
To fix; to set firm.
From their foundations, loosening to and fro,They plucked the seated hills.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To cause to be seated or in a sitting posture; to furnish a seat to; - used reflexively.
They sat them down to weep.
Sit you down, father; rest you.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
A space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane);
He booked their seats in advance
He sat in someone else's place
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
The fleshy part of the human body that you sit on;
He deserves a good kick in the butt
Are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
Furniture that is designed for sitting on;
There were not enough seats for all the guests
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
Assume a posture as for artistic purposes;
We don't know the woman who posed for Leonardo so often
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
Any support where you can sit (especially the part of a chair or bench etc. on which you sit);
He dusted off the seat before sitting down
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
Sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions;
She never sat a horse!
Did you ever ride a camel?
The girl liked to drive the young mare
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
Work or act as a baby-sitter;
I cannot baby-sit tonight; I have too much homework to do
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
The cloth covering for the buttocks;
The seat of his pants was worn through
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
Show to a seat; assign a seat for;
The host seated me next to Mrs. Smith
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Seat
Show to a seat; assign a seat for;
The host seated me next to Mrs. Smith
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To pose for a portrait or photograph.
She will sit for her portrait next week.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Sit
To take care of children or a house for a short period.
She often sits for her neighbors' kids.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Seat
Place ceremoniously or formally in an office or position;
There was a ceremony to induct the president of the Academy
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sit
To settle in a position or location.
The cat likes to sit by the window.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Seat
A piece of furniture designed for sitting.
The antique chair was a beautiful seat.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Seat
A location or venue for a particular event or function.
The theater is the seat of the annual film festival.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a seat?
A seat is a place where someone can sit or the act of guiding someone to sit.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Can "seat" be used as a verb?
Yes, "seat" can also mean to place someone into a position where they can sit.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Does "sit" have different tenses?
Yes, "sit" has different tenses; for example, "sat" is the past tense.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Are "seat" and "sit" interchangeable?
No, they are not interchangeable as "seat" can be a noun or verb, and "sit" is only a verb.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
What does "seat" mean in a vehicle?
In a vehicle, a "seat" is the place where passengers sit.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
What does "sit" imply in babysitting?
In babysitting, "sit" implies taking care of and watching over someone.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
What does it mean to sit?
To sit means to take a seated position, typically on a chair or bench.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
How is "seat" used in politics?
"Seat" refers to an elected position or the right to sit in a legislative body.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Can "seat" be plural?
Yes, "seat" can be plural as in "seats" to refer to multiple places or positions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Can "sit" be plural?
No, "sit" does not have a plural form as it is a verb.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
What does "sit tight" mean?
"Sit tight" means to wait patiently without moving or taking action.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Is there a physical action for "sit"?
Yes, the physical action for "sit" is to lower oneself to a sitting position.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
What is a "seat of learning"?
A "seat of learning" is an institution like a university where education is provided.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Does "seat" have a metaphorical use?
Yes, "seat" can have metaphorical uses, such as "seat of emotions."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Can "seat" be used in expressions?
Yes, "seat" is used in expressions like "seat of power" or "take your seat."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
What does "sit well with" mean?
"Sit well with" means to be acceptable or agreeable to someone.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
What is a "seat belt"?
A "seat belt" is a safety harness designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle to their seat.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Can "seat" imply a status?
Yes, "seat" can imply a status or position, like a "seat at the table."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Can "sit" refer to a group setting?
Yes, "sit" can refer to a group setting, as in "sit in a meeting."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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