/ pəˈzɪʃn; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
PLACE
1.
[ C ] the place where sb/sth is located :
From his position on the cliff top, he had a good view of the harbour.
Where would be the best position for the lights?
➡ note at place
2.
[ U ] the place where sb/sth is meant to be; the correct place :
Is everybody in position ?
He took up his position by the door.
WAY SB / STH IS PLACED
3.
[ C , U ] the way in which sb is sitting or standing, or the way in which sth is arranged :
a sitting / kneeling / lying position
Keep the box in an upright position.
Make sure that you are working in a comfortable position.
My arms were aching so I shifted (my) position slightly.
—see also missionary position
SITUATION
4.
[ C , usually sing. ] position (to do sth) the situation that sb is in, especially when it affects what they can and cannot do :
to be in a position of power / strength / authority
What would you do in my position?
This put him and his colleagues in a difficult position.
The company's financial position is not certain.
I'm afraid I am not in a position to help you.
➡ note at situation
OPINION
5.
[ C ] position (on sth) an opinion on or an attitude towards a particular subject :
to declare / reconsider / shift / change your position
the party's position on education reforms
She has made her position very clear.
My parents always took the position that early nights meant healthy children.
LEVEL OF IMPORTANCE
6.
[ C , U ] a person or organization's level of importance when compared with others :
the position of women in society
the company's dominant position in the world market
Wealth and position (= high social status) were not important to her.
JOB
7.
[ C ] ( formal ) a job
SYN post :
He held a senior position in a large company.
I should like to apply for the position of Sales Director.
➡ note at job
IN RACE / COMPETITION
8.
[ C ] a place in a race, competition, or test, when compared to others :
United's 3–0 win moved them up to third position.
IN SPORT
9.
[ C ] the place where sb plays and the responsibilities they have in some team games :
What position does he play?
IN WAR
10.
[ C , usually pl. ] a place where a group of people involved in fighting have put men and guns :
They attacked the enemy positions at dawn.
■ verb
[ vn , usually + adv. / prep. ] to put sb/sth in a particular position
SYN place :
Large television screens were positioned at either end of the stadium.
She quickly positioned herself behind the desk.
The company is now well positioned to compete in foreign markets.
► pos·ition·ing noun [ U ]
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French , from Latin positio(n-) , from ponere to place. The current sense of the verb dates from the early 19th cent.