position
highneutral (can be formal in specific contexts, e.g., military, academic)
Definition
Meaning
The place where someone or something is located in relation to others; a particular way in which someone or something is placed or arranged.
A person's situation or status, especially in relation to others; a point of view or attitude on a particular issue; a job or role within an organisation; a strategic advantage in a competition or conflict.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it covers physical location, social/job status, opinion, and strategic advantage. The verb form means to place something carefully or to present something in a particular way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derived words (e.g., 'positioning' is same). The noun 'position' for a job is slightly more formal in UK English, with 'post' or 'job' being common alternatives. In finance, 'position' (a commitment to buy/sell) is used identically.
Connotations
In business, 'to position' a product/brand is a standard marketing term in both varieties. In sports commentary, 'position' is equally common.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
position + noun (position of authority)verb + position (hold/occupy a position)position + as + noun (position as manager)position + on + issue (position on climate change)position + yourself + to-infinitive (position yourself to win)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in a position to (do something)”
- “jockey for position”
- “position of strength”
- “manoeuvre into position”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to job roles, market share, or financial standing (e.g., 'We need to fill the open position.' 'The company's market position is strong.')
Academic
Often denotes a theoretical standpoint or argument in a debate (e.g., 'The author's position on existentialism is clear.')
Everyday
Commonly used for physical location or personal situation (e.g., 'What's your position on the map?' 'I'm in a difficult position financially.')
Technical
In sports, describes player placement; in finance, an investment commitment; in military, a defended site.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They carefully positioned the sculpture in the garden.
- The party is positioning itself as the champion of healthcare.
American English
- We need to position the logo more prominently on the page.
- He positioned the company for a successful merger.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My house is in a good position near the school.
- What is your position on the football team?
- She got a position as a sales assistant.
- From my position at the window, I could see the whole street.
- The government clarified its position on the new tax policy.
- His investments put him in a very secure financial position.
- The negotiators manoeuvred themselves into a position of strength before the talks.
- Archaeologists meticulously recorded the position of each artefact before removal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a POSITIVE ION: it has a specific charge and place. POSITION gives something a specific place or status.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (e.g., 'defend your position', 'strategic position in a debate'); SOCIAL HIERARCHY IS VERTICAL SPACE (e.g., 'high position in the company').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'position' as 'позиция' for a job—use 'должность' or 'место'. 'Position' as an opinion is 'точка зрения' or 'позиция'. Physical position is often 'положение' or 'местонахождение'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'position' with 'as' incorrectly (e.g., 'He has a position of a manager' instead of 'He has a position as a manager' or 'the position of manager'). Overusing 'position' where 'job', 'place', or 'opinion' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'to position a product' primarily means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but can be used in formal contexts. Words like 'post' or 'role' can be less formal synonyms for a job.
Yes, commonly meaning to place something carefully or to establish something (like a brand) in a particular way.
'Location' is purely geographical/physical. 'Position' implies a specific spot within a relative arrangement or system (e.g., 'the position of a chess piece').
It's an idiom meaning 'able to' or 'having the power/resources to' do something, often used in formal or business English (e.g., 'I am not in a position to comment').
Collections
Part of a collection
Debate Vocabulary
B2 · 48 words · Language for constructing arguments and discussions.