sedentary
SEH-den-teh-ree
/ˈsɛdəntɛri/
Spending much time seated; somewhat inactive.
Specifically refers to a lifestyle or occupation that involves very little physical movement.
The story behind the word. Coming from the Latin 'sedere', meaning 'to sit', this word shares a family tree with 'sediment' (stuff that sits at the bottom) and 'president' (one who sits at the front). It originally described people who stayed in one place rather than wandering, but today it mostly describes our relationship with chairs.
Word relationships
- inactive: A general term for not moving, while sedentary implies specifically sitting for long periods.
- stationary: Means not moving at all, whereas sedentary refers to a lifestyle of low activity.
- active: Engaging in regular physical movement.
- nomadic: Moving from place to place rather than staying in one seated location.
Commonly confused with
- secondary: Secondary means second in order; sedentary means sitting down.
Word family
- sedentariness (noun): The state of being sedentary.
Collocations
- sedentary lifestyle
- sedentary behavior
- sedentary job
- sedentary habits
Example sentences
- "A sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for various chronic health conditions." A health warning about office work.
- "The transition from nomadic to sedentary societies changed human health forever." Historical observation.
Memory hook
Think of 'Sedentary' as 'Sitting-Dary'—a diary of someone who just sits. Sedentary: Settled in a seat.
When not to use
Not usually used for temporary rest, but rather for long-term habits or job types.
Fun facts
- The 'sedentary' lifestyle is often called the 'sitting disease' by modern health researchers.
Related words
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