"Positional" is used as an adjective to describe something that relates to a position, placement, or a specific role or requirement tied to a particular spot.
Understanding "Positional"
"Positional" functions as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a connection to a specific position. This can refer to physical placement, a strategic stance, or a designated role within a system or team. It helps specify that the noun it describes is dependent on, or defined by, its position. For a comprehensive definition, you can refer to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
For instance, in the context of sports, phrases like "positional runs" refer to movements that are crucial due to their strategic placement or a player's specific role on the field. Similarly, a "positional need" highlights a requirement for a player or resource in a specific role or slot within a team or organization.
Common Contexts and Examples
The term "positional" frequently appears in contexts where placement, role, or strategic advantage is key.
In Sports and Strategy
In sports, "positional" often describes plays, advantages, or runs that are integral to a team's strategy based on player placement.
- Example: The coach emphasized the importance of positional play to maintain defensive integrity and control the midfield.
- Example: After two strong positional runs, the Ravens managed to be on the front end of both them, leading to scoring opportunities.
- Insight: This usage highlights actions or outcomes directly stemming from a player's or object's strategic location or designated spot.
Addressing Specific Needs or Roles
"Positional" can also define a need or requirement for a particular role or skill set, often implying a gap that needs to be filled within a team or system.
- Example: To fill that positional need, the Buckeyes may look in state at Glenville's Arvell Reese for a new linebacker.
- Example: The company identified a crucial positional gap in its cybersecurity team that required immediate attention.
- Insight: Here, "positional" clarifies that the need is for a specific type of resource or person, defined by their intended role or function within a larger structure.
Crafting Sentences with "Positional"
When using "positional" in a sentence, ensure it clearly modifies a noun that benefits from the added context of being position-related.
- The chess master excelled at positional sacrifices, giving up pieces to gain strategic board control.
- Her expertise in positional analysis was crucial for the team's market entry strategy.
- The training focused on developing good positional awareness among new recruits in a high-traffic environment.
- Addressing the positional requirements for the new software feature was the first step in its development.
Quick Guide to Using "Positional"
| Context | Example Sentence | Meaning Implied |
|---|---|---|
| Sports/Strategic Action | The team's positional runs created excellent scoring chances. | Runs specifically designed for strategic placement on the field. |
| Role/Resource Requirement | They have a positional need for an experienced project manager. | A need for a person in a specific role or position. |
| Analytical Skill | His positional understanding of the market was invaluable. | Understanding based on the relative placement or status of market elements. |
| Awareness | Developing positional awareness is crucial for pilots. | Awareness of one's own and others' relative positions in space. |
By understanding that "positional" serves to link a noun to the concept of position – be it physical, strategic, or role-based – you can effectively incorporate it into your writing to convey precise meaning.
