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Meaning & use

reclining position

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/rɪˈklaɪnɪŋ pəˈzɪʃn/
US/rɪˈklaɪnɪŋ pəˈzɪʃn/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A posture in which the body leans backward or lies partly flat, with the back supported.

    Grammar: Usually used with in or to: in a reclining position, adjust it to a reclining position.

    Patterns

    • in a reclining position
    • lean back into a reclining position

    The pilot asked passengers to put their seats out of a reclining position for landing.

    He slept in a reclining position on the sofa.

    The nurse helped the patient into a reclining position.

  2. nouncountable

    In yoga or exercise, a pose or stance performed while lying back or leaning on the floor.

    Grammar: Used in fitness descriptions: a reclining position for stretching.

    Patterns

    • hold a reclining position

    The instructor demonstrated a reclining position for resting.

    Hold the reclining position for ten slow breaths.

    Beginners find the reclining position easier than standing poses.

Word forms

pluralreclining positions

Common combinations

in a reclining position
She read for an hour in a reclining position.
adjust to a reclining position
The seat can be adjusted to a reclining position.
semi-reclining position
The doctor advised a semi-reclining position to ease breathing.
lock into a reclining position
The chair locks into a reclining position.
fully reclining position
The bed offers a fully reclining position.

Synonyms and how they differ

recumbent position
Recumbent position is more formal and medical, and often means lying down fully.
supine position
Supine position means lying flat on the back, while reclining allows leaning at an angle.
leaning-back position
Leaning-back position is an informal description with no precise angle.

Opposites

upright positionsitting position

Word family

recline verb
to lean or lie back
reclined adjective
leaning back
reclining adjective
able to lean back, or leaning back
recliner noun
a chair that tilts back
position noun
the way a body is placed

Commonly confused: reclining position or supine position?

reclining position vs supine position

Supine is lying flat on your back, while a reclining position can be sitting back at an angle.

Practice

The airline asks you to return your seat to an upright position, meaning you should NOT stay in a ____.

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