Phrase guide

sit back

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To recline while still in a seated position, with one's back on the frame of the seat.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Please just sit back and watch the show.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To relax, to not exert oneself.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

settle into a comfortable sitting position

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: take it easy

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: relax, loosen up, unbend, unwind, decompress, slow down

4

verb

Meaning 4

be inactive or indifferent while something is happening

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Don't just sit by while your rights are violated!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: sit by

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: watch, look on

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: облягам се (obljagam se) — to recline while still in a seated position
  • German: sich zurücklehnen — to recline while still in a seated position
  • Polish: rozsiąść się — to recline while still in a seated position
  • Russian: откинуться (otkinutʹsja) — to recline while still in a seated position
  • Bulgarian: почивам (počivam) — to relax, to not exert oneself
  • French: se détendre — to relax, to not exert oneself
  • German: sich zurücklehnen — to relax, to not exert oneself
  • Russian: сложить руки (složitʹ ruki) — to relax, to not exert oneself
  • Russian: бездействовать (bezdejstvovatʹ) — to relax, to not exert oneself
  • Spanish: relajarse — to relax, to not exert oneself