Sit vs. Rest: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 22, 2024
"Sit" refers to placing oneself in a seated position, while "rest" means to relax or take a break, which may or may not involve sitting.
Key Differences
"Sit" involves positioning oneself in a way that the weight is supported by the buttocks, typically on a chair or similar surface. This action is primarily about the posture of the body. "Rest," on the other hand, encompasses a broader concept of taking a break to recover energy or relieve stress. Resting can be done in various positions, including sitting, lying down, or even standing.
When you "sit," the focus is on the act of lowering oneself into a seated position. It’s a physical state often assumed for comfort or stability. Rest involves reducing activity and can occur in multiple forms. Sitting is one way to rest, but resting can also involve lying down, napping, or simply pausing activities.
Sitting is often associated with tasks such as working at a desk, eating, or attending an event, where a specific posture is required. Resting is more about recuperation and can be part of various activities such as reading, sleeping, or meditating, where the position is secondary to the purpose of unwinding.
In contexts like exercise, sitting might be a temporary position between activities, whereas resting refers to a period of inactivity to recover.
The term "sit" implies a specific action and posture, while "rest" refers to a broader state of relaxation and can include sitting as one of its forms.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To place oneself in a seated position
To take a break or relax
Physical Position
Seated
Can be seated, lying down, or standing
Purpose
Stability or comfort in a specific posture
Recuperation or relaxation
Contexts
Working, eating, attending events
Sleeping, meditating, pausing activities
Scope
Specific action
Broad state encompassing various activities
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Sit and Rest Definitions
Sit
To be in a position in which one's weight is supported by one's buttocks.
She decided to sit on the bench and enjoy the park view.
Rest
To be placed or supported so as to stay in a specified position.
The ladder rests against the wall.
Sit
To pose for a photograph or portrait.
He had to sit still for the family portrait.
Rest
To lie down or lean back in a comfortable position.
She rested on the sofa after her shift.
Sit
To rest with the torso vertical and the body supported on the buttocks.
Rest
To take a break from an activity.
He rested from his work to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Sit
To rest with the hindquarters lowered onto a supporting surface. Used of animals.
Rest
A period of inactivity, relaxation, or sleep:The hikers stopped for a rest.
Sit
To perch. Used of birds.
Rest
Sleep or the refreshment resulting from inactivity or sleep:Get plenty of rest before the race.
Sit
To cover eggs for hatching; brood.
Rest
The repose of death:eternal rest.
Sit
To be situated or located
A house that sits on a hill.
Rest
Mental or emotional calm:The news put my mind at rest.
Sit
To lie or rest
Dishes were sitting on a shelf. See Usage Note at set1.
Rest
The state of being motionless; the absence of motion:The car accelerates quickly from a state of rest.
Sit
To pose for an artist or photographer.
Rest
The condition of being settled or resolved:a remark that put the matter to rest.
Sit
To occupy a seat as a member of a body of officials
Sit in Congress.
Rest
An interval of silence corresponding to one of the possible time values within a measure.
Sit
To be in session.
Rest
The mark or symbol indicating such a pause and its length.
Sit
To remain inactive or unused
Her expensive skis sat gathering dust.
Rest
A short pause in a line of poetry; a caesura.
Sit
To affect one with or as if with a burden; weigh
Official duties sat heavily upon the governor.
Rest
A device used as a support:a back rest.
Sit
To fit, fall, or drape in a specified manner
The jacket sits perfectly on you.
Rest
(Games)See bridge1.
Sit
To be agreeable to one; please
The idea didn't sit well with any of us.
Rest
The part that is left over after something has been removed; remainder.
Sit
Chiefly British To take an examination, as for a degree.
Rest
That or those remaining
The beginning was boring, but the rest was interesting. The rest are arriving later.
Sit
To blow from a particular direction. Used of the wind.
Rest
A support for a lance on the side of the breastplate of medieval armor.
Sit
To keep watch or take care of a child.
Rest
To cease motion, work, or activity, especially in order to become refreshed:The laborers rested in the shade.
Sit
To cause to sit; seat
Sit yourself over there.
Rest
To lie down and sleep:rested for an hour on the couch.
Sit
To keep one's seat on (an animal)
She sits her horse well.
Rest
To be in or come to a motionless state:The can rolled along, finally resting when it hit the curb.
Sit
To sit on (eggs) for the purpose of hatching.
Rest
To be located or be in a specified place:The manuscript rests in the museum.
Sit
To provide seating accommodation for
A theater that sits 1,000 people.
Rest
To be fixed or directed on something:His gaze rested on the necklace.
Sit
The act of sitting.
Rest
To be unchanged or unresolved:After arguing for an hour, we let the matter rest.
Sit
A period of time spent sitting.
Rest
To be supported or based; lie, lean, or sit:The ladder rests firmly anst the tree.
Sit
The way in which an article of clothing, such as a dress or jacket, fits.
Rest
To be imposed or vested, as a responsibility or burden:The final decision rests with the crperson.
Sit
To be in a position in which the upper body is upright and supported by the buttocks.
After a long day of walking, it was good just to sit and relax.
Rest
To depend or rely:That argument rests on a false assumption.
Sit
To move oneself into such a position.
I asked him to sit.
Rest
(Law)To complete the n presentation of one's portion of a legal case:The defense rests.
Sit
To occupy a given position.
The temple has sat atop that hill for centuries.
Jim's pet parrot sat on his left shoulder.
Rest
To cause or allow to be inactive or relaxed so as to ren energy:The coach rested his best players. I rested my eyes before studying.
Sit
To remain in a state of repose; to rest; to abide; to rest in any position or condition.
Rest
To place, lay, or lean, as for support or repose:rested the rake anst the fence.
Sit
(government) To be a member of a deliberative body.
I currently sit on a standards committee.
Rest
To base or ground:I rested my conclusion on that fact.
Sit
Of a legislative or, especially, a judicial body such as a court, to be in session.
In what city is the circuit court sitting for this session.
Rest
To fix or direct (the gaze, for example).
Sit
To lie, rest, or bear; to press or weigh.
Rest
(Law)To complete the n presentation of (one's portion of a case):The prosecutor was not ready to rest her case.
Sit
To be adjusted; to fit.
Your new coat sits well.
Rest
To be or continue to be; remain
Rest assured that we will finish on time.
Sit
To be accepted or acceptable; to work.
How will this new contract sit with the workers?
I don’t think it will sit well.
The violence in these video games sits awkwardly with their stated aim of educating children.
Rest
To remain or be left over.
Sit
To cause to be seated or in a sitting posture; to furnish a seat to.
Sit him in front of the TV and he might watch for hours.
Rest
Relief from work or activity by sleeping; sleep.
I need to get a good rest tonight; I was up late last night.
The sun sets, and the workers go to their rest.
Sit
(transitive) To accommodate in seats; to seat.
The dining room table sits eight comfortably.
Rest
(countable) Any relief from exertion; a state of quiet and relaxation.
We took a rest at the top of the hill to get our breath back.
Sit
To babysit.
I'm going to sit for them on Thursday.
I need to find someone to sit my kids on Friday evening for four hours.
Rest
(uncountable) Peace; freedom from worry, anxiety, annoyances; tranquility.
It was nice to have a rest from the phone ringing when I unplugged it for a while.
Sit
To take, to undergo or complete (an examination or test).
Rest
A state of inactivity; a state of little or no motion; a state of completion.
The boulder came to rest just behind the house after rolling down the mountain.
The ocean was finally at rest.
Now that we're all in agreement, we can put that issue to rest.
Sit
To cover and warm eggs for hatching, as a fowl; to brood; to incubate.
Rest
A final position after death.
She was laid to rest in the village cemetery.
Sit
To take a position for the purpose of having some artistic representation of oneself made, such as a picture or a bust.
I'm sitting for a painter this evening.
Rest
A pause of a specified length in a piece of music.
Remember there's a rest at the end of the fourth bar.
Sit
To have position, as at the point blown from; to hold a relative position; to have direction.
Rest
A written symbol indicating such a pause in a musical score such as in sheet music.
Sit
To keep one's seat when faced with (a blow, attack); to endure, to put up with.
Rest
Absence of motion.
The body's centre of gravity may affect its state of rest.
Sit
(mining) Subsidence of the roof of a coal mine.
Rest
A stick with a U-, V- or X-shaped head used to support the tip of a cue when the cue ball is otherwise out of reach.
Higgins can't quite reach the white with his cue, so he'll be using the rest.
Sit
An event, usually lasting one full day or more, where the primary goal is to sit in meditation.
Rest
(countable) Any object designed to be used to support something else.
She put the phone receiver back in its rest.
He placed his hands on the arm rests of the chair.
Sit
To rest upon the haunches, or the lower extremity of the trunk of the body; - said of human beings, and sometimes of other animals; as, to sit on a sofa, on a chair, or on the ground.
And he came and took the book put of the right hand of him that sate upon the seat.
I pray you, jest, sir, as you sit at dinner.
Rest
A projection from the right side of the cuirass of armour, serving to support the lance.
Sit
To perch; to rest with the feet drawn up, as birds do on a branch, pole, etc.
Rest
A place where one may rest, either temporarily, as in an inn, or permanently, as, in an abode.
Sit
To remain in a state of repose; to rest; to abide; to rest in any position or condition.
And Moses said to . . . the children of Reuben, Shall your brothren go to war, and shall ye sit here?
Like a demigod here sit I in the sky.
Rest
(poetry) A short pause in reading poetry; a caesura.
Sit
To lie, rest, or bear; to press or weigh; - with on; as, a weight or burden sits lightly upon him.
The calamity sits heavy on us.
Rest
The striking of a balance at regular intervals in a running account. Often, specifically, the intervals after which compound interest is added to capital.
Sit
To be adjusted; to fit; as, a coat sts well or ill.
This new and gorgeous garment, majesty,Sits not so easy on me as you think.
Rest
(dated) A set or game at tennis.
Sit
To suit one well or ill, as an act; to become; to befit; - used impersonally.
Rest
(uncountable) That which remains.
She ate some of the food, but was not hungry enough to eat it all, so she put the rest in the refrigerator to finish later.
Sit
To cover and warm eggs for hatching, as a fowl; to brood; to incubate.
As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not.
Rest
Those not included in a proposition or description; the remainder; others.
Sit
To have position, as at the point blown from; to hold a relative position; to have direction.
Like a good miller that knows how to grind, which way soever the wind sits.
Sits the wind in that quarter?
Rest
A surplus held as a reserved fund by a bank to equalize its dividends, etc.; in the Bank of England, the balance of assets above liabilities.
Sit
To occupy a place or seat as a member of an official body; as, to sit in Congress.
Rest
(intransitive) To cease from action, motion, work, or performance of any kind; stop; desist; be without motion.
Sit
To hold a session; to be in session for official business; - said of legislative assemblies, courts, etc.; as, the court sits in January; the aldermen sit to-night.
Rest
(intransitive) To come to a pause or an end; end.
Sit
To take a position for the purpose of having some artistic representation of one's self made, as a picture or a bust; as, to sit to a painter.
Rest
(intransitive) To be free from that which harasses or disturbs; be quiet or still; be undisturbed.
Sit
To sit upon; to keep one's seat upon; as, he sits a horse well.
Hardly the muse can sit the headstrong horse.
Rest
To be or to put into a state of rest.
My day's work is over; now I will rest.
We need to rest the horses before we ride any further.
I shall not rest until I have uncovered the truth.
Sit
To cause to be seated or in a sitting posture; to furnish a seat to; - used reflexively.
They sat them down to weep.
Sit you down, father; rest you.
Rest
(intransitive) To stay, remain, be situated.
The blame seems to rest with your father.
Sit
To suit (well or ill); to become.
Rest
To lean, lie, or lay.
A column rests on its pedestal.
I rested my head in my hands.
She rested against my shoulder.
I rested against the wall for a minute.
Sit
Be standing; be upright;
We had to stand for the entire performance!
Rest
To complete one's active advocacy in a trial or other proceeding, and thus to wait for the outcome (however, one is still generally available to answer questions, etc.)
The defense rests, your Honor.
I rest my case.
Sit
Sit around, often unused;
The object sat in the corner
Rest
(intransitive) To sleep; slumber.
Sit
Take a seat
Rest
(intransitive) To lie dormant.
Sit
Be in session;
When does the court of law sit?
Rest
(intransitive) To sleep the final sleep; sleep in death; die; be dead.
Sit
Assume a posture as for artistic purposes;
We don't know the woman who posed for Leonardo so often
Rest
(intransitive) To rely or depend on.
The decision rests on getting a bank loan.
Sit
Sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions;
She never sat a horse!
Did you ever ride a camel?
The girl liked to drive the young mare
Rest
To be satisfied; to acquiesce.
Sit
Work or act as a baby-sitter;
I cannot baby-sit tonight; I have too much homework to do
Rest
To continue to be, remain, be left in a certain way.
You can rest assured that a sick child will say when it's again ready to eat, so it won't starve and doesn't need to be cajoled into eating.
Sit
Show to a seat; assign a seat for;
The host seated me next to Mrs. Smith
Rest
To keep a certain way.
Sit
To occupy a seat in a specific location.
Please sit at the dining table for dinner.
Rest
To arrest.
Sit
To rest with the torso upright and the buttocks on a surface.
The teacher asked the students to sit down for the lecture.
Rest
To arrest.
Sit
To remain in a position of authority or judgment.
The judge will sit for the court session at 10 AM.
Rest
To cease from action or motion, especially from action which has caused weariness; to desist from labor or exertion.
God . . . rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest.
Rest
To be free from whanever wearies or disturbs; to be quiet or still.
There rest, if any rest can harbor there.
Rest
To lie; to repose; to recline; to lan; as, to rest on a couch.
Rest
To stand firm; to be fixed; to be supported; as, a column rests on its pedestal.
Rest
To sleep; to slumber; hence, poetically, to be dead.
Fancy . . . then retriesInto her private cell when Nature rests.
Rest
To lean in confidence; to trust; to rely; to repose without anxiety; as, to rest on a man's promise.
On him I rested, after long debate,And not without considering, fixed fate.
Rest
To be satisfied; to acquiesce.
To rest in Heaven's determination.
Rest
To lay or place at rest; to quiet.
Your piety has paidAll needful rites, to rest my wandering shade.
Rest
To place, as on a support; to cause to lean.
Her weary head upon your bosom rest.
Rest
To be left; to remain; to continue to be.
The affairs of men rest still uncertain.
Rest
A state of quiet or repose; a cessation from motion or labor; tranquillity; as, rest from mental exertion; rest of body or mind.
Sleep give thee all his rest!
Rest
Hence, freedom from everything which wearies or disturbs; peace; security.
And the land had rest fourscore years.
Rest
Sleep; slumber; hence, poetically, death.
How sleep the brave who sink to rest,By all their country's wishes blest.
Rest
That on which anything rests or leans for support; as, a rest in a lathe, for supporting the cutting tool or steadying the work.
He made narrowed rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house.
Rest
A projection from the right side of the cuirass, serving to support the lance.
Their visors closed, their lances in the rest.
Rest
A place where one may rest, either temporarily, as in an inn, or permanently, as, in an abode.
In dust our final rest, and native home.
Ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance which the Lord your God giveth you.
Rest
A short pause in reading verse; a cæsura.
Rest
The striking of a balance at regular intervals in a running account.
Rest
A set or game at tennis.
Rest
Silence in music or in one of its parts; the name of the character that stands for such silence. They are named as notes are, whole, half, quarter,etc.
Rest
That which is left, or which remains after the separation of a part, either in fact or in contemplation; remainder; residue.
Religion gives part of its reward in hand, the present comfort of having done our duty, and, for the rest, it offers us the best security that Heaven can give.
Rest
Those not included in a proposition or description; the remainder; others.
Armed like the rest, the Trojan prince appears.
Rest
A surplus held as a reserved fund by a bank to equalize its dividends, etc.; in the Bank of England, the balance of assets above liabilities.
Rest
Something left after other parts have been taken away;
There was no remainder
He threw away the rest
He took what he wanted and I got the balance
Rest
Freedom from activity (work or strain or responsibility);
Took his repose by the swimming pool
Rest
A pause for relaxation;
People actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests
Rest
A state of inaction;
A body will continue in a state of rest until acted upon
Rest
Euphemisms for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb);
She was laid to rest beside her husband
They had to put their family pet to sleep
Rest
A support on which things can be put;
The gun was steadied on a special rest
Rest
A musical notation indicating a silence of a specified duration
Rest
Not move; be in a resting position
Rest
Take a short break from one's activities in order to relax
Rest
Give a rest to;
He rested his bad leg
Rest the dogs for a moment
Rest
Have a place in relation to something else;
The fate of Bosnia lies in the hands of the West
The responsibility rests with the Allies
Rest
Be at rest
Rest
Stay the same; remain in a certain state;
The dress remained wet after repeated attempts to dry it
Rest assured
Stay alone
He remained unmoved by her tears
The bad weather continued for another week
Rest
Be inherent or innate in;
Rest
Put something in a resting position, as for support or steadying;
Rest your head on my shoulder
Rest
Sit, as on a branch;
The birds perched high in the treee
Rest
Rest on or as if on a pillow;
Pillow your head
Rest
Be inactive, refrain from acting;
The committee is resting over the summer
Rest
To cease work or movement in order to relax or recover strength.
After a long hike, they took a moment to rest.
Rest
To be calm and quiet; to be at ease.
The village rests in the valley, surrounded by hills.
FAQs
Is sitting always restful?
Not necessarily. Sitting can be restful, but it can also be an active or attentive posture.
Can you rest without sitting?
Yes, resting can involve lying down, standing still, or other forms of inactivity.
What does "sit" mean?
"Sit" means to place oneself in a seated position, supporting the weight on the buttocks.
What is "rest"?
"Rest" means to take a break or relax to recover energy or relieve stress.
Is sitting related to specific activities?
Yes, activities like working at a desk or eating often require sitting.
Does "rest" imply inactivity?
Rest generally implies a reduction in activity, though not complete inactivity.
What is a common posture for resting?
Resting commonly involves lying down but can also include sitting or leaning back.
Can resting be done actively?
Resting usually implies a reduction in activity, but activities like meditating can be considered restful.
Can "sit" imply resting?
Yes, sitting can be a form of resting, though resting can occur in various positions.
What contexts commonly involve sitting?
Working at a desk, eating, attending events, or posing for photos often involve sitting.
What activities can involve resting?
Reading, sleeping, meditating, and pausing from physical activities can all involve resting.
What is a synonym for "rest"?
A synonym for "rest" is "relax."
Does "rest" include sleeping?
Yes, sleeping is a form of resting.
What is the difference in scope between "sit" and "rest"?
"Sit" is a specific physical action, while "rest" is a broader state of relaxation.
Is "sit" used in formal contexts?
Yes, "sit" is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Can resting improve productivity?
Yes, resting can help improve productivity by allowing the body and mind to recover.
Can "rest" involve mental relaxation?
Yes, resting can involve both physical and mental relaxation.
Is sitting a broad or specific action?
Sitting is a specific action involving a particular posture.
What is the primary purpose of sitting?
The primary purpose of sitting is to achieve comfort or stability in a specific posture.
Can you sit and not rest?
Yes, you can sit without resting, such as during intense concentration or work.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
