place
Definitions
A particular position, area, or location
地方；位置；场所
A position in a sequence, ranking, or set of roles
名次；座位；（轮到的）位置
To put something in a particular position
放置；安放
To identify or assign something to a category, rank, or context
确定（位置／身份）；将……归类
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin platea 'broad open square' (Greek plateia 'broad street'). The wide public space narrowed into the idea of 'a spot where something sits or belongs' — first the noun (a location), then the verb (to put in its spot). This single word is the base for the whole replace / displace / -placement family.
Root place still carries 10 more wordsUsage Guide
- take place = to happen (an event occupies a spot in time): The wedding took place in June.
- in place = ready, set up: The new rules are now in place.
- in place of = instead of: Use yogurt in place of cream.
- place + abstract object: place an order, place a bet, place blame, place emphasis — 'put it where it goes.'
- can't place someone = recognize but can't recall where you know them from.
Example Sentences
- 1.
This little café is my favorite place to read on weekends.
- 2.
She finished in second place after a tight final race.
- 3.
Please place your bags under the seat in front of you.
- 4.
I recognize her face, but I can't quite place where we met.
- 5.
The meeting will take place in the main conference room.
Easily Confused
place vs space — place is a specific spot you can name (a nice place to eat); space is empty room or area in general (make space, parking space). You eat at a place, you park in a space. place vs location — location is more formal/technical (a precise position, a filming location); place is the everyday word.