sitting-room

The family gathers in the sitting-room to play a board game.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A room in a house for general daily use: A "sitting-room" is a room, typically in a private home, where people sit, relax, socialize, or entertain guests. It is often furnished with comfortable chairs, sofas, and sometimes a fireplace or television. This is synonymous with "living room" or "lounge" in many contexts.

Usage Examples

• (A casual, relaxing space in the home.)
• (A room for general use, not a formal dining or sleeping area.)

Advanced Usage

• "formal sitting-room": a sitting-room used for entertaining guests, often more elegantly furnished than the family room.
  • The formal sitting-room was only used when important visitors came. (A more traditional or reserved space.)
• "sitting-room furniture": chairs, sofas, tables, and other items specifically designed for use in a sitting-room.
  • They bought new sitting-room furniture to match the wallpaper. (Furniture for a living area.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sitting (n): the act of resting in a seated position.
  • After a long walk, we took a sitting in the garden. (A period of being seated.)
• Room (n): a part of a building enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling.
  • The house has five rooms, including a kitchen and a bathroom. (A general term for an enclosed space.)
• Living room (n): a common synonym for "sitting-room," especially in modern usage.
  • The living room is where the family gathers to watch television. (A room for daily activities.)
• Parlour (n): an older term for a sitting-room, often used for receiving guests.
  • The Victorian house had a parlour for formal visits. (A historical synonym.)

Synonyms

• Living room: a room in a house for general use, especially for relaxation.
• Lounge: a room in a house or hotel for sitting and relaxing.
• Family room: a room in a home for informal family activities.
• Drawing room: a formal room for entertaining guests, often in larger houses.

Related Idioms

• "a sitting-room of one's own": a private space for relaxation or personal use, often implying independence or solitude.
  • After the children left home, she finally had a sitting-room of her own. (A personal retreat.)
• "to be in the sitting-room": to be in a specific area of the house for socializing or resting.
  • He was in the sitting-room when the phone rang. (A location in the home.)