What is the meaning of "lay on his back in a semi-prone position"?

Status
Not open for further replies.

ucul

Junior Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2014
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Indonesian
Home Country
Indonesia
Current Location
Indonesia
So I read an article and stumbled upon this sentence: "Instead of sitting in a conventional seat, the driver lay on his back in a semi-prone position."

I'm confused. Isn't "prone position" meaning you lay flat with the chest down and back up? Then why the driver lay on his back in a prone position? I don't get it.
 

MikeNewYork

VIP Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
It makes no sense to me either. Lying on one's back is "supine" not "prone". "Semiprone" usually refers to person lying on his/her side.
 

Roman55

Key Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2014
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Italy
Current Location
France
I am not a teacher.

I think this is a simple case of the writer not knowing the right word.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top