POSITION

Pronunciation (US):

• POSITION (noun)
  The noun POSITION has 16 senses:

1. the particular portion of space occupied by something
2. a point occupied by troops for tactical reasons
3. a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
4. the arrangement of the body and its limbs
5. the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society
6. a job in an organization
7. the spatial property of a place where or way in which something is situated
8. the appropriate or customary location
9. (in team sports) the role assigned to an individual player
10. the act of putting something in a certain place
11. a condition or position in which you find yourself
12. an item on a list or in a sequence
13. a rationalized mental attitude
14. an opinion that is held in opposition to another in an argument or dispute
15. the post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another
16. the act of positing; an assumption taken as a postulate or axiom

  Familiarity information: POSITION used as a noun is very familiar.

• POSITION (verb)
  The verb POSITION has 2 senses:

1. cause to be in an appropriate place, state, or relation
2. put into a certain place or abstract location

  Familiarity information: POSITION used as a verb is rare.

• POSITION (noun)

Sense 1

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

The particular portion of space occupied by something

Classified under:

Nouns denoting spatial position

Synonyms:

position; place

Context example:

he put the lamp back in its place

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

point (the precise location of something; a spatially limited location)

Attribute:

right (being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the east when facing north)

left (being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the west when facing north)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

pitch (a vendor's position (especially on the sidewalk))

landmark (the position of a prominent or well-known object in a particular landscape)

right (location near or direction toward the right side; i.e. the side to the south when a person or object faces east)

left (location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east)

back; rear (the part of something that is furthest from the normal viewer)

front (the part of something that is nearest to the normal viewer)

stand (the position where a thing or person stands)

station ((nautical) the location to which a ship or fleet is assigned for duty)

vantage (place or situation affording some advantage (especially a comprehensive view or commanding perspective))

post; station (the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand)

lie (position or manner in which something is situated)

half-mast (a position some distance below the top of the mast to which a flag is lowered in mourning or to signal distress)

lead ((baseball) the position taken by a base runner preparing to advance to the next base)

pole position (the most favorable position at the start of a race)

polls (the place where people vote)

pride of place (the first or highest or most important or most ostentatious place)

anomaly ((astronomy) position of a planet as defined by its angular distance from its perihelion (as observed from the sun))

site; situation (physical position in relation to the surroundings)

setting (the physical position of something)

juxtaposition (a side-by-side position)

Sense 2

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

A point occupied by troops for tactical reasons

Classified under:

Nouns denoting spatial position

Synonyms:

military position; position

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

point (the precise location of something; a spatially limited location)

Domain category:

armed forces; armed services; military; military machine; war machine (the military forces of a nation)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

ground (a position to be won or defended in battle (or as if in battle))

line (a fortified position (especially one marking the most forward position of troops))

Sense 3

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

A way of regarding situations or topics etc.

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

perspective; view; position

Context example:

consider what follows from the positivist view

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

orientation (an integrated set of attitudes and beliefs)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

straddle (a noncommittal or equivocal position)

Weltanschauung; world view (a comprehensive view of the world and human life)

sight (a range of mental vision)

light (a particular perspective or aspect of a situation)

paradigm (the generally accepted perspective of a particular discipline at a given time)

cutting edge; forefront; vanguard (the position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field)

futurism (the position that the meaning of life should be sought in the future)

bird's eye view; panoramic view (a situation or topic as if viewed from an altitude or distance)

Sense 4

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

The arrangement of the body and its limbs

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

posture; attitude; position

Context example:

he assumed an attitude of surrender

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

bodily property (an attribute of the body)

Attribute:

erect; upright; vertical (upright in position or posture)

unerect (not upright in position or posture)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

ectopia (abnormal position of a part or organ (especially at the time of birth))

asana ((Hinduism) a posture or manner of sitting (as in the practice of yoga))

guard (a posture of defence in boxing or fencing)

sprawl; sprawling (an ungainly posture with arms and legs spread about)

stance (standing posture)

tuck ((sports) a bodily position adopted in some sports (such as diving or skiing) in which the knees are bent and the thighs are drawn close to the chest)

presentation ((obstetrics) position of the fetus in the uterus relative to the birth canal)

pose (a posture assumed by models for photographic or artistic purposes)

missionary position (a position for sexual intercourse; a man and woman lie facing each other with the man on top; so-called because missionaries thought it the proper position for primitive peoples)

order arms (a position in the manual of arms; the rifle is held vertically on the right side with the butt on the ground; often used as a command)

ballet position (classical position of the body and especially the feet in ballet)

decubitus (a reclining position (as in a bed))

eversion (the position of being turned outward)

lithotomy position (a position lying on your back with knees bent and thighs apart; assumed for vaginal or rectal examination)

lotus position (a sitting position with the legs crossed; used in yoga)

Sense 5

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

The relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

status; position

Context examples:

he had the status of a minor / the novel attained the status of a classic / atheists do not enjoy a favorable position in American life

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

state (the way something is with respect to its main attributes)

Attribute:

low-class; lower-class (occupying the lowest socioeconomic position in a society)

middle-class (occupying a socioeconomic position intermediate between those of the lower classes and the wealthy)

upper-class (occupying the highest socioeconomic position in a society)

dominant (exercising influence or control)

low-level; subordinate (lower in rank or importance)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

nationality (the status of belonging to a particular nation by birth or naturalization)

footing; terms (status with respect to the relations between people or groups)

retirement (the state of being retired from one's business or occupation)

rank (relative status)

caste (social status or position conferred by a system based on class)

dignity (high office or rank or station)

nobility; noblesse (the state of being of noble birth)

ordination (the status of being ordained to a sacred office)

pedestal (a position of great esteem (and supposed superiority))

leadership (the status of a leader)

slot (a position in a hierarchy or organization)

toehold (a relatively insignificant position from which future progress might be made)

command (a position of highest authority)

left-handedess (the status of being born of a morganatic marriage)

face (status in the eyes of others)

election (the status or fact of being elected)

equality; equation; equivalence; par (a state of being essentially equal or equivalent; equally balanced)

rank; social rank; social station; social status (position in a social hierarchy)

standing (social or financial or professional status or reputation)

high status (a position of superior status)

high ground (a position of superiority over opponents or competitors)

high profile (a position attracting much attention and publicity)

Holy Order; Order ((usually plural) the status or rank or office of a Christian clergyman in an ecclesiastical hierarchy)

low status; lowliness; lowness (a position of inferior status; low in station or rank or fortune or estimation)

legal status (a status defined by law)

bar sinister; bastardy; illegitimacy (the status of being born to parents who were not married)

Sense 6

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

A job in an organization

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

berth; post; billet; situation; position; office; spot; place

Context example:

he occupied a post in the treasury

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

business; job; line; line of work; occupation (the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

magistracy; magistrature (the position of magistrate)

prefecture (the office of prefect)

prelacy; prelature (the office or station of a prelate)

premiership (the office of premier)

presidency; presidentship (the office and function of president)

primateship (the office of primate)

principalship (the post of principal)

priorship (the office of prior)

proconsulate; proconsulship (the position of proconsul)

proctorship (the position of proctor)

chair; professorship (the position of professor)

protectorship (the position of protector)

preceptorship (the position of preceptor)

precentorship (the position of precentor)

praetorship (the office of praetor)

managership (the position of manager)

manhood (the status of being a man)

marshalship (the post of marshall)

mastership (the position of master)

mayoralty (the position of mayor)

messiahship (the position of messiah)

moderatorship (the position of moderator)

overlordship (the position of overlord)

pastorate; pastorship (the position of pastor)

peasanthood (the state of being a peasant)

plum (a highly desirable position or assignment)

public office (a position concerning the people as a whole)

rabbinate (the office or function of a rabbi)

teachership (the position of teacher)

thaneship (the position of thane)

throne (the position and power of an exalted person (a sovereign or bishop) who is entitled to sit in a chair of state on ceremonial occasions)

treasurership (the position of treasurer)

tribuneship (the position of tribune)

trusteeship (the position of trustee)

vice-presidency (the office and function of a vice president)

viceroyship (the position of viceroy)

viziership (the position of vizier)

wardenship (the position of warden)

wardership (the position of warder)

studentship (the position of student)

stewardship (the position of steward)

speakership (the position of speaker)

receivership (the office of a receiver)

rectorate; rectorship (the office or station of a rector)

regency (the office of a regent)

residency (the position of physician who is receiving special training in a hospital (usually after completing an internship))

rulership (the position of ruler)

sainthood (the status and dignity of a saint)

secretaryship (the position of secretary)

feudal lordship; seigneury; seigniory (the position and authority of a feudal lord)

senatorship (the office of senator)

sinecure (an office that involves minimal duties)

solicitorship (the position of solicitor)

womanhood (the status of a woman)

academicianship (the position of member of an honorary academy)

chairmanship (the position of chairman)

chancellorship (the office of chancellor)

chaplaincy; chaplainship (the position of chaplain)

chieftaincy; chieftainship (the position of chieftain)

clerkship (the job of clerk)

commandership; commandery (the position or office of commander)

comptrollership (the position of comptroller)

consulship (the post of consul)

controllership (the position of controller)

councillorship; councilorship (the position of council member)

counsellorship; counselorship (the position of counselor)

cardinalship (the office of cardinal)

captaincy; captainship (the post of captain)

caliphate (the office of a caliph)

accountantship (the position of accountant)

admiralty (the office of admiral)

ambassadorship (the post of ambassador)

apostleship (the position of apostle)

apprenticeship (the position of apprentice)

associateship (the position of associate (as in an office or academy))

attorneyship (the position of attorney)

bailiffship (the office of bailiff)

baronetage (the state of a baronet)

bishopry; episcopate (the office and dignity of a bishop)

cadetship (the position of cadet)

curacy (the position of a curate)

curatorship (the position of curator)

hot seat (a difficult position where you are subjected to stress and criticism)

incumbency (the office of an incumbent)

inspectorship (the office of inspector)

instructorship (the position of instructor)

internship (the position of a medical intern)

judgeship; judicature (the position of judge)

khanate (the position of a khan)

lectureship (the post of lecturer)

legateship; legation (the post or office of legate)

legislatorship (the office of legislator)

librarianship (the position of librarian)

lieutenancy (the position of a lieutenant)

headship (the position of headmaster or headmistress)

headship (the position of head)

custodianship (the position of custodian)

deanery; deanship (the position or office of a dean)

directorship (the position of a director of a business concern)

discipleship (the position of disciple)

editorship (the position of editor)

eldership (the office of elder)

emirate (the office of an emir)

governorship (the office of governor)

generalcy; generalship (the office and authority of a general)

foremanship (the position of foreman)

fatherhood (the status of a religious leader)

fatherhood (the status of a father)

Sense 7

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

The spatial property of a place where or way in which something is situated

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

spatial relation; position

Context examples:

the position of the hands on the clock / he specified the spatial relations of every piece of furniture on the stage

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

relation (an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together)

Attribute:

interior (situated within or suitable for inside a building)

exterior (situated in or suitable for the outdoors or outside of a building)

inner (located or occurring within or closer to a center)

outer (being on the outside or further from a center)

internal (happening or arising or located within some limits or especially surface)

external (happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface)

posterior (at or near the hind end in quadrupeds or toward the spine in primates)

anterior (of or near the head end or toward the front plane of the body)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

southernness (the property of being to the south)

northernness (the property of being to the north)

malposition; misplacement (faulty position)

inwardness (the quality or state of being inward or internal)

horizontality (the quality of being parallel to the horizon)

erectness; uprightness; verticality; verticalness (position at right angles to the horizon)

slot (a position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable)

elbow room; room; way (space for movement)

direction (the spatial relation between something and the course along which it points or moves)

angular position (relation by which any position with respect to any other position is established)

externality; outwardness (the quality or state of being outside or directed toward or relating to the outside or exterior)

posteriority (the quality of being toward the back or toward the rear end)

occlusion ((dentistry) the normal spatial relation of the teeth when the jaws are closed)

inclination; lean; leaning; list; tilt (the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical)

gradient; slope (the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the horizontal)

arrangement; placement (the spatial property of the way in which something is placed)

point of view (the spatial property of the position from which something is observed)

coincidence (the quality of occupying the same position or area in space)

dead center; dead centre (the position of a crank when it is in line with the connecting rod and not exerting torque)

centrality (the property of being central)

marginality (the property of being marginal or on the fringes)

anteriority (the quality of being in front or (in lower animals) toward the head)

Sense 8

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

The appropriate or customary location

Classified under:

Nouns denoting spatial position

Context example:

the cars were in position

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

point (the precise location of something; a spatially limited location)

Sense 9

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

(in team sports) the role assigned to an individual player

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Context example:

what position does he play?

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

role (normal or customary activity of a person in a particular social setting)

Domain category:

athletics; sport (an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

center (a position on a basketball team of the player who participates in the jump that starts the game)

guard (a position on a basketball team)

back (the position of a player on a football team who is stationed behind the line of scrimmage)

lineman (the position of a player on a football team who is stationed on the line of scrimmage)

mid-off (the fielding position in cricket closest to the bowler on the off side)

mid-on (the fielding position in cricket closest to the bowler on the on side)

center (the position on a hockey team of the player who participates in the face off at the beginning of the game)

cleanup; cleanup position; cleanup spot ((baseball) the fourth position in the batting order (usually filled by the best batter on the team))

forward (a position on a basketball team)

right field; rightfield (the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is expected to field balls in the right third of the outfield (looking from home plate))

center field; centerfield (the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is expected to field balls in the central third of the outfield)

goalie; goalkeeper; goaltender; netkeeper (the defensive position on an ice hockey or soccer or lacrosse team who stands in front of the goal and tries to prevent opposing players from scoring)

mound; pitcher (the position on a baseball team of the player who throws the ball for a batter to try to hit)

catcher (the position on a baseball team of the player who is stationed behind home plate and who catches the balls that the pitcher throws)

first; first base (the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed at first of the bases in the infield (counting counterclockwise from home plate))

second; second base (the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed near the second of the bases in the infield)

short; shortstop (the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed between second and third base)

third; third base (the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed near the third of the bases in the infield (counting counterclockwise from home plate))

left field; leftfield (the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is expected to field balls in the left third of the outfield (looking from home plate))

Sense 10

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

The act of putting something in a certain place

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

locating; positioning; emplacement; location; placement; position

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

activity (any specific behavior)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

superposition ((geometry) the placement of one object ideally in the position of another one in order to show that the two coincide)

fingering (the placement of the fingers for playing different notes (or sequences of notes) on a musical instrument)

superposition (the placement of one thing on top of another)

set (the act of putting something in position)

repositioning (the act of placing in a new position)

implantation (the act of planting or setting in the ground)

planting (the act of fixing firmly in place)

orientation (the act of orienting)

interposition (the act of interposing one thing between or among others)

apposition; collocation; juxtaposition (the act of positioning close together (or side by side))

stratification (the placing of seeds in damp sand or sawdust or peat moss in order to preserve them or promote germination)

Sense 11

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

A condition or position in which you find yourself

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

situation; position

Context examples:

the unpleasant situation (or position) of having to choose between two evils / found herself in a very fortunate situation

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

condition; status (a state at a particular time)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

stymie; stymy (a situation in golf where an opponent's ball blocks the line between your ball and the hole)

soup (an unfortunate situation)

poverty trap (a situation in which an increase in income results in a loss of benefits so that you are no better off)

place; shoes (a particular situation)

Sense 12

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

An item on a list or in a sequence

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

position; place

Context examples:

in the second place / moved from third to fifth position

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

item; point (a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

preposition ((linguistics) the placing of one linguistic element before another (as placing a modifier before the word it modifies in a sentence or placing an affix before the base to which it is attached))

postposition ((linguistics) the placing of one linguistic element after another (as placing a modifier after the word that it modifies in a sentence or placing an affix after the base to which it is attached))

Sense 13

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

A rationalized mental attitude

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

stance; posture; position

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

attitude; mental attitude (a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

hard line (a firm and uncompromising stance or position)

point of view; stand; standpoint; viewpoint (a mental position from which things are viewed)

Sense 14

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

An opinion that is held in opposition to another in an argument or dispute

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

side; position

Context example:

there are two sides to every question

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

opinion; view (a message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof)

Sense 15

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

The post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

lieu; stead; place; position

Context examples:

can you go in my stead? / took his place / in lieu of

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

function; office; part; role (the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "position"):

behalf (as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as)

Sense 16

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

The act of positing; an assumption taken as a postulate or axiom

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("position" is a kind of...):

assumption (the act of assuming or taking for granted)

• POSITION (verb)

Sense 1

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

Cause to be in an appropriate place, state, or relation

Classified under:

Verbs of walking, flying, swimming

Hypernyms (to "position" is one way to...):

lay; place; pose; position; put; set (put into a certain place or abstract location)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "position"):

deploy (place troops or weapons in battle formation)

aim; direct; take; take aim; train (aim or direct at; as of blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment)

square (position so as to be square)

dress; line up (arrange in ranks)

orient (cause to point)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody PP
Somebody ----s something PP

Sense 2

position [BACK TO TOP]

Meaning:

Put into a certain place or abstract location

Classified under:

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging

Synonyms:

set; put; place; lay; position; pose

Context examples:

Put your things here / Set the tray down / Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children / Place emphasis on a certain point

Hypernyms (to "position" is one way to...):

displace; move (cause to move, both in a concrete and in an abstract sense)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "position"):

pillow; rest (rest on or as if on a pillow)

lose; mislay; misplace (place (something) where one cannot find it again)

upend (set, turn, or stand on end)

seat; sit; sit down (show to a seat; assign a seat for)

lay; put down; repose (put in a horizontal position)

place upright; stand; stand up (put into an upright position)

recline (cause to recline)

ground (place or put on the ground)

barrel (put in barrels)

bucket (put into a bucket)

bottle (put into bottles)

set down (put or settle into a position)

juxtapose (place side by side)

misplace (place or position wrongly; put in the wrong position)

seed; sough; sow (place (seeds) in or on the ground for future growth)

place down; put down; set down (cause to sit or seat or be in a settled position or place)

appose (place side by side or in close proximity)

plant; set (put or set (seeds, seedlings, or plants) into the ground)

instal; install; put in; set up (set up for use)

deposit; fix; posit; situate (put (something somewhere) firmly)

throw (to put into a state or activity hastily, suddenly, or carelessly)

settle; settle down (settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground)

marshal (place in proper rank)

space (place at intervals)

glycerolise; glycerolize (place in glycerol)

position (cause to be in an appropriate place, state, or relation)

siphon (move a liquid from one container into another by means of a siphon or a siphoning action)

set (put into a position that will restore a normal state)

cram (put something somewhere so that the space is completely filled)

load (put (something) on a structure or conveyance)

perch (cause to perch or sit)

rest (put something in a resting position, as for support or steadying)

clap (put quickly or forcibly)

lean (cause to lean or incline)

poise (cause to be balanced or suspended)

ladle (put (a liquid) into a container by means of a ladle)

imbricate (place so as to overlap)

bed (put to bed)

enclose; inclose; insert; introduce; put in; stick in (introduce)

ensconce; settle (fix firmly)

park (place temporarily)

superpose (place (one geometric figure) upon another so that their perimeters coincide)

lay over; superimpose; superpose (place on top of)

arrange; set up (put into a proper or systematic order)

pile (place or lay as if in a pile)

nestle; snuggle (position comfortably)

intersperse (place at intervals in or among)

plant (place something or someone in a certain position in order to secretly observe or deceive)

stratify (form, arrange, or deposit in layers)

put back; replace (put something back where it belongs)

step (place (a ship's mast) in its step)

prepose (place before another constituent in the sentence)

postpose (place after another constituent in the sentence)

cock (set the trigger of a firearm back for firing)

docket (place on the docket for legal action)

emplace (put into place or position)

emplace (provide a new emplacement for guns)

ship (place on board a ship)

coffin (place into a coffin)

rack up (place in a rack)

tee; tee up (place on a tee)

throw; thrust (place or put with great energy)

reposition (place into another position)

recess (put into a recess)

butt (place end to end without overlapping)

parallelize (place parallel to one another)

middle (put in the middle)

sign (place signs, as along a road)

underlay (put (something) under or beneath)

trench (set, plant, or bury in a trench)

pigeonhole (place into a small compartment)

shelve (place on a shelf)

jar (place in a cylindrical vessel)

repose (to put something (eg trust) in something)

put forward; stick (cause to protrude or as if to protrude)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something PP

Sentence example:

They position the bags on the table