sit for
B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
to stay still for a picture, or to take a test
Literal meaning: to remain seated for a purpose
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
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
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to take an examination
"Thousands of students will sit for the entrance exam next month."
Grammar: inseparable
3 C1
idiomatic
formal
to serve as a member of a court, committee, or legislative body
"She was invited to sit for the review panel."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in British English for examinations ('sit an exam' / 'sit for an exam'). The portrait meaning is widely understood but less frequent.
Commonly used with
exam examination portrait photograph artist test
Forms
Base
sit for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sits for
he/she/it
Past simple
sat for
yesterday
Past participle
sat for
have + pp
-ing form
sitting for
continuous
Understand "sit for" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
pose for take be examined in serve on appear for
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "sit for" on Looplines