posting
B1Neutral to formal, depending on context (e.g., 'job posting' is formal, 'social media posting' is informal).
Definition
Meaning
The act of sending a letter or package via the postal service; a job assignment to a particular location, especially abroad; a message or piece of content published on an internet forum, blog, or social media.
In accounting, the transfer of entries from a journal to a ledger; the act of affixing a notice or sign in a public place.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is polysemous. The context usually clarifies whether it refers to mail, a job assignment, or online content. The accounting sense is specialized.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'post' is the standard term for mail, whereas American English uses 'mail'. However, 'job posting' and 'online posting' are common in both. For the act of sending mail, British English might say 'posting a letter', while American English often says 'mailing a letter'.
Connotations
In a business context, 'posting' for a job assignment can imply a temporary or overseas position. In online contexts, it is neutral.
Frequency
The term 'posting' for an online message is extremely frequent in both varieties. The mail-related sense is more frequent in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
posting on [a forum/platform]posting to [a website/location]posting about [a topic]posting of [a message/notice]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “posted missing (military: declared absent without leave)”
- “None commonly with 'posting' as the head word.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to job vacancies advertised internally or externally, or to the transfer of an employee to a different office.
Academic
Rare; may refer to the publication of research notes online or the assignment of researchers to field sites.
Everyday
Most commonly used for sharing content on social media or sending letters.
Technical
In computing, the act of sending data to a server (e.g., HTTP POST request). In accounting, recording financial transactions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is posting the invitations today.
- He has been posting regular updates on the community board.
American English
- She is mailing the invitations today.
- He has been posting regular updates on the community forum.
adjective
British English
- The posting date is clearly marked on the envelope.
- She received her posting instructions by email.
American English
- The mailing date is clearly marked on the envelope.
- She received her assignment instructions by email.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I am posting a birthday card to my grandma.
- Her new posting is on the school notice board.
- He found his current job through an online posting.
- The soldier's overseas posting lasted three years.
- After posting the controversial comment, she received a lot of feedback.
- The accountant is responsible for the daily posting of transactions.
- The diplomat's posting to the embassy was considered a promotion.
- His meticulous posting of archaeological findings online gained a wide academic audience.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a POST OFFICE where you POST a letter, or a blog POST you are writing. Both involve sending or publishing information.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS AN OBJECT THAT CAN BE SENT (mail) OR DISPLAYED (online).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'job posting' as 'пост' (which can mean a religious fast or a guard position). Use 'вакансия' or 'объявление о работе'.
- Do not confuse 'posting' (публикация, размещение) with 'post' (столб, почта).
- In Russian, 'постинг' is a direct borrowing for online messages, but it is informal.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'posting' as a base verb instead of 'post' (e.g., 'I will posting it' is incorrect).
- Confusing 'posting' (noun) with 'post' (noun/verb) in collocations (e.g., 'check the post' vs. 'check the posting').
Practice
Quiz
In the context of accounting, what does 'posting' primarily refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has multiple meanings including sending mail, job assignments, and accounting processes. Context determines the sense.
'Post' is primarily a verb (to send mail, to publish online) or a noun (a pole, a job position, the mail system). 'Posting' is a noun derived from the verb, referring to the instance or result of that action (e.g., a social media posting, a job posting).
The form 'posting' can function as the present participle or gerund of the verb 'post' (e.g., 'I am posting a letter'). As a standalone verb form, it is not a base verb.
It is used in both varieties. In the UK, 'job advert' is also common. In the US, 'job listing' is a frequent synonym.