to pose for an artist or photographer, or to take an examination
to stay still for a picture, or to take a test
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
to pose for an artist or photographer while they make a portrait or take a picture
"She agreed to sit for the painter on Sunday mornings."
He had sat for his portrait many times.
— Biographical writing about Winston Churchill; exact title not recalled
to take an examination
"Thousands of students will sit for the entrance exam next month."
to serve as a member of a court, committee, or legislative body
"She was invited to sit for the review panel."
to remain seated for a purpose
to stay still for a picture, or to take a test
Common in British English for examinations ('sit an exam' / 'sit for an exam'). The portrait meaning is widely understood but less frequent.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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