Siting vs. Sitting — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 25, 2023
"Siting" refers to choosing a location for something, while "sitting" involves being in a seated position or the duration for which one remains seated.
Difference Between Siting and Sitting
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Siting" and "sitting" are two distinct words, both derived from the verb "sit," but they have different uses in the English language. "Siting" is primarily about determining the position or location for something, especially with regards to buildings or other structures. In contrast, "sitting" most commonly refers to the act of resting with the body supported by the buttocks and thighs or the period during which one is seated.
The origins of both words can trace back to the verb "sit," but their respective suffixes determine their unique meanings. While "siting" pertains to the act of setting or placing something in a particular spot, "sitting" speaks more to the act of being in a seated posture or the time one spends in such a posture.
Using both "siting" and "sitting" in sentences can further clarify their differences. For example, the sentence "The siting of the new library was carefully considered by the town council" revolves around the location selection for a building. On the other hand, "She spent her evening sitting by the fireplace" emphasizes the act and duration of being seated.
In more specific contexts, "siting" can refer to the location process for various infrastructures, like wind turbines or cell towers. On the other hand, "sitting" can also mean a particular session or period, like "a sitting of Congress" or "a portrait sitting."
Understanding the nuances between "siting" and "sitting" ensures effective communication. Whether talking about placement decisions or the act and duration of being seated, recognizing each word's context is essential.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to the location or position.
Refers to the act of being seated.
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun, verb
Usage
Choosing a location for structures.
Being in a seated position.
Related Term
Site
Seat
Contextual Use
Pertains to location decisions.
Refers to act/duration of being seated.
Compare with Definitions
Siting
Choosing a spot for construction.
The siting process for the mall took months.
Sitting
The act of resting with the body supported by buttocks.
She was sitting on the bench.
Siting
Positioning for strategic reasons.
The siting of the military base was near the border.
Sitting
A continuous period of being seated.
It was a long sitting at the theater.
Siting
The act of placing in a particular position.
The siting of the sculpture was perfect for sunlight.
Sitting
A session or meeting of an official body.
The court's morning sitting was adjourned early.
Siting
Establishing a place based on specific criteria.
The siting of the waste facility followed environmental guidelines.
Sitting
Being in a specific state or condition while seated.
He was sitting idle, lost in thought.
Siting
Determining the location for a specific purpose.
The siting of the new park was controversial.
Sitting
A scheduled period for a specific activity.
She had a portrait sitting with a renowned artist.
Sitting
Sitting is a basic action and resting position in which the body weight is supported primarily by the bony ischial tuberosities with the buttocks in contact with the ground or a horizontal surface such as a chair seat, instead of by the lower limbs as in standing, squatting or kneeling. When sitting, the torso is more or less upright, although sometimes it can lean against other objects for a more relaxed posture.
Sitting
A continuous period of being seated, especially when engaged in a particular activity
Twenty pieces of music is a bit much to take in at one sitting
Sitting
A scheduled period of time when a number of people are served a meal, especially in a restaurant
There will be two sittings for Christmas lunch
Sitting
A period of time during which a committee or parliament is engaged in its normal business
All-night sittings of Parliament
Sitting
In a seated position
A sitting position
Sitting
(of an MP or other elected representative) current; present
The resignation of the sitting member
Sitting
(of a hen or other bird) settled on eggs for the purpose of incubating them.
Sitting
The act or position of one that sits.
Sitting
A period during which one is seated and occupied with a single activity, such as posing for a portrait or reading a book.
Sitting
A session or term, as of a legislature or court.
Sitting
An act, condition, or period of brooding on eggs by a bird; incubation.
Sitting
The number of eggs under a brooding bird; a clutch.
Sitting
Incubating a nest of eggs
A sitting hen.
Sitting
Occupying an official position; incumbent.
Sitting
Of or for sitting
A sitting posture.
A sitting area in a bus station.
Sitting
Done or executed while sitting.
Sitting
A period during which one is seated for a specific purpose.
Due to the sheer volume of guests, we had to have two sittings for the meal.
The Queen had three sittings for her portrait.
Sitting
A seance or other session with a medium or fortuneteller.
Sitting
A special seat allotted to a seat-holder, at church, etc.
Sitting
The part of the year in which judicial business is transacted.
Sitting
A legislative session (in the sense of "meeting", not "period").
Sitting
The incubation of eggs by a bird.
Sitting
A clutch of eggs laid by a brooding bird.
We have thirty-four chicks from eight sittings of eggs
Sitting
Uninterrupted application to anything for a time; the period during which one continues at anything.
Sitting
Present participle of sit
Sitting
Executed from a sitting position.
Sitting
Occupying a specific official or legal position; incumbent.
Sitting
Being in the state, or the position, of one who, or that which, sits.
Sitting
The state or act of one who sits; the posture of one who occupies a seat.
Sitting
A seat, or the space occupied by or allotted for a person, in a church, theater, etc.; as, the hall has 800 sittings.
Sitting
The act or time of sitting, as to a portrait painter, photographer, etc.
Sitting
The actual presence or meeting of any body of men in their seats, clothed with authority to transact business; a session; as, a sitting of the judges of the King's Bench, or of a commission.
The sitting closed in great agitation.
Sitting
The time during which one sits while doing something, as reading a book, playing a game, etc.
For the understanding of any one of St. Paul's Epistles I read it all through at one sitting.
Sitting
A brooding over eggs for hatching, as by fowls.
The male bird . . . amuses her [the female] with his songs during the whole time of her sitting.
Sitting
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait);
He wanted his portrait painted but couldn't spare time for the sitting
Sitting
The act of assuming or maintaining a seated position;
He read the mystery at one sitting
Sitting
A meeting of spiritualists;
The seance was held in the medium's parlor
Sitting
A session as of a legislature or court
Sitting
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks;
The seated Madonna
The audience remained seated
Sitting
Not moving and therefore easy to attack;
A sitting target
Common Curiosities
Can "siting" refer to any structure's location?
Yes, "siting" can refer to choosing locations for buildings, towers, parks, and more.
Can "sitting" refer to a period of time?
Yes, like in "a long sitting at the theater."
Are "siting" and "sitting" interchangeable?
No, "siting" relates to location choice, and "sitting" pertains to being seated or a session's duration.
What's a "sitting room"?
It's a room in a residence meant for general relaxation and socializing.
How do urban planners decide on "siting"?
Through research, surveys, environmental assessments, and community consultations.
How is "siting" related to the word "site"?
"Siting" is the act of choosing a "site" or location.
Is "sitting" always about being seated?
Mostly, but "sitting" can also mean a session or meeting of an official body.
Can "sitting" refer to a state of inactivity?
Yes, like "sitting idle" or "sitting pretty."
Can "sitting" be used in photography?
Yes, for instance, a "portrait sitting" refers to a session where a portrait is taken.
Can "sitting" also be a verb?
Yes, "sitting" can be both a noun (a session) and a verb (the act of being seated).
What does "siting criteria" mean?
It refers to the standards or guidelines used to choose a location.
Can "sitting" relate to animals?
Yes, like when describing a cat or dog as "sitting" on a mat.
Is "siting" a common word in construction?
Yes, "siting" is often used when determining where to place structures.
Why is "siting" important in urban planning?
"Siting" ensures structures are placed optimally, considering factors like accessibility, safety, and aesthetics.
Is "siting" more about the process or the result?
"Siting" can refer to both the process of selecting a site and the result of that selection.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
