Language Research

position · noun

/pəˈzɪʃ.ən/Full view

position (SITUATION)

B1 C usually no plural the situation that someone is in

Dictionary example:

When two of your best friends argue it puts you in a bad position.

Learner example:

She knows the person that owns the club, who decided to organize a private party for her 18th birthday. I wish [I was] in her position. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

position (PLACE)

B1 C the place where something or someone is, often in relation to other things

Dictionary examples:

I found our position on the map.

You've moved the furniture around - the sofa is in a different position.

Learner example:

I like [this restaurant] because of [its] position, the old town, and most of all because the owner is a friend of mine so that the bill is not too expensive for me! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

position (SITTING/STANDING)

B1 C or U the way someone is sitting, standing, or lying, or if something is pointing up or down, etc.

Dictionary examples:

a kneeling position

I go to sleep on my back but I always wake up in a different position.

Keep the bottles in an upright position.

Learner example:

Four hundred kms in that [un]comfortable position was terrible for us. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

position (SPORTS)

B1 C the part that someone plays in a game such as football

Dictionary example:

I didn't know you played hockey - what position do you play?

Learner example:

It's a basketball club and all those guys in the club are much bigger than me. At first we talked to each other [about] which position we had to play. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

position (RANK)

B2 C your level of importance in a company or society

Dictionary examples:

the position of women in society

Whether or not you get an office with a window depends on your position in the company.

Learner example:

Perhaps the style of their dress will indicate their position in society too. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

position (JOB)

B2 C a job in a company, school, or other organization

Dictionary examples:

He held the position for six years.

She applied for a position in the same company I work for.

We were able to fill both of the new teaching positions.

Learner example:

Dear Mr. Greenfield I am writing in response to the advertisement which I saw published in my local newspaper, as I would like to apply for the position you offer. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

be in a position to do sth

C1 to be able to do something because of your situation

Dictionary example:

I'm not in a position to talk about this at the moment.

Learner example:

But no one is in a position to know about it yet, since now it is just an option. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

be in position

C1 If someone or something is in position, they are in the place that they should be in.

Dictionary example:

The police were all in position.

Learner example:

Remember to stay calm when you are in the car with the instructor, wear your seatbelt and check that all your mir[r]ors are in position. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

put sb in a difficult position

C1 to cause someone to be in a difficult situation

Dictionary example:

When two of your best friends argue it puts you in a very difficult position.

Learner example:

I know that I will put you in a difficult position with my absence but I must leave. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)