sofa
A long, comfortable seat with a back and arms for two or more people to sit on at once. It is usually found in a living room and is designed for relaxing, reading, or watching television.
Examples
3 of 5I sat on the sofa to read my favorite book after work.
I sat on the sofa to read my favorite book after work.
The executive lounge is furnished with a premium leather sofa.
The executive lounge is furnished with a premium leather sofa.
Move over and make some room for me on the sofa!
Move over and make some room for me on the sofa!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Soft'. A sofa is a SOFT seat for the whole family.
Quick Quiz
The cat is sleeping on the ______ in the living room.
Correct!
The correct answer is: sofa
Examples
I sat on the sofa to read my favorite book after work.
everydayI sat on the sofa to read my favorite book after work.
The executive lounge is furnished with a premium leather sofa.
formalThe executive lounge is furnished with a premium leather sofa.
Move over and make some room for me on the sofa!
informalMove over and make some room for me on the sofa!
The architectural drawings specify the placement of a modular sofa in the common area.
academicThe architectural drawings specify the placement of a modular sofa in the common area.
We need to order a new sofa for the client waiting area by Friday.
businessWe need to order a new sofa for the client waiting area by Friday.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
couch potato
a person who watches a lot of television and does not exercise
sofa surfing
staying temporarily in various people's houses, sleeping on their sofas
pull-out sofa
a sofa that can be converted into a bed
Often Confused With
There is almost no difference; 'couch' is more informal, while 'sofa' is the standard term in furniture stores.
An armchair is designed for only one person, whereas a sofa is for two or more.
Usage Notes
The word 'sofa' is the most common term in British English and is considered slightly more formal or professional than 'couch' in American English.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use the preposition 'on' (e.g., saying 'sit in the sofa' instead of 'sit on the sofa').
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Soft'. A sofa is a SOFT seat for the whole family.
Word Origin
Derived from the Arabic word 'suffah', which refers to a long stone or wood bench covered with cushions.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, the sofa is the focal point of the family home where people gather to socialize or relax.
Quick Quiz
The cat is sleeping on the ______ in the living room.
Correct!
The correct answer is: sofa
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More Family words
father
A1A father is a male parent of a child. This term describes both the biological relationship and the social role of a man who raises and cares for his children.
dad
A1An informal and affectionate name for a father, used primarily by children or within a family context. It refers to a male parent who provides care and support for his offspring.
mother
A1A female parent who has given birth to or raised a child. It is also used more broadly to describe a woman who provides care, protection, and support to another person.
son
A1A male child or man in relation to his parents. It is a fundamental kinship term used to describe a direct male descendant in a family.
child
A1A young human being below the age of puberty or the legal age of majority. It can also refer to a son or daughter of any age in relation to their parents.
sister
A1A sister is a girl or woman who shares the same parents as another person. It can also refer to a woman who shares one parent or someone who is very close like a family member.
twin
A1A twin is one of two children born at the same time to the same mother. It can also refer to one of two things that are exactly the same or very similar.
baby
A1A baby is a very young human being, typically from birth until they start to walk. It is a general term for an infant who requires complete care and attention from adults.
toddler
A1A young child who is just beginning to walk, typically between the ages of one and three. This term describes the developmental stage between infancy and the start of preschool.
adult
A1A person who is fully grown and developed, typically someone who is 18 years of age or older. It is used to distinguish a mature individual from a child or a teenager.
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