Priority Seat: Definition, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：priority seat (Priority Seat)

Priority Seat 🔊

/praɪˈɒrɪti siːt/

A seat on public transport that is reserved for people who need it more, such as the elderly, disabled, or pregnant women.

priority seat 🔊

➕

/praɪˈɒrɪti siːt/

A designated seat on public transport reserved for passengers with special needs such as the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, or those carrying infants.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Priority from Latin 'prior' (first), Seat from Old English 'sæte' (sitting place).

💡 Mnemonic

Remember 'Priority Seat' as 'People first' – a seat for those who need it most.

📖 Example

On the crowded bus, I noticed the priority seat was empty, so I gestured for the elderly gentleman to take it. 🔊 On the crowded bus, I noticed the priority seat was empty, so I gestured for the elderly gentleman to take it.

🔗 Collocations

give up one's priority seat – to offer the designated seat to someone in need

priority seat sign – a sign indicating the reserved seat

occupy a priority seat – to sit in a seat designated for those with special needs

🔄 Synonyms

reserved seat (n.) – a seat that is kept for a specific person or group

designated seat (n.) – a seat officially set aside for a particular purpose

special seat (n.) – a seat intended for passengers with extra requirements

🚫 Antonyms

regular seat (n.) – a standard seat without any reservation

non-priority seat (n.) – a seat not designated for special needs

general seat (n.) – a seat available to any passenger

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Japanese 'priority seating' in the 1970s, these seats are legally mandated in many countries to ensure accessibility for elderly, disabled, and pregnant individuals.