poise

verb \ ˈpȯiz \

Definition of poise

poised; poising

transitive verb

1 a : balance; especially : to hold or carry in equilibrium

carried a water jar poised on her head

b : to hold supported or suspended without motion in a steady position

poised her fork and gave her guest a knowing look
—Louis Bromfield

2 : to hold or carry (the head) in a particular way

3 : to put into readiness : brace

intransitive verb

1 : to become drawn up into readiness

2 : hover

See poise defined for English-language learners

See poise defined for kids

Examples of poise in a Sentence

She poised her pencil above the paper and waited for the signal to begin writing.
the disgraced business executive poised herself for the difficult press conference

Origin and Etymology of poise

Middle English, to weigh, ponder, from Anglo-French peiser, poiser, from Latin pensare — more at pensive

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1597

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

poise Synonyms

poise

noun \ ˈpȯiz \

Definition of poise

1 : a stably balanced state : equilibrium

a poise between widely divergent impulses
—F. R. Leavis

2 a : easy self-possessed assurance of manner : gracious tact in coping or handling; also : the pleasantly tranquil interaction between persons of poise

no angry outbursts marred the poise of the meeting

b : a particular way of carrying oneself : bearing, carriage

Origin and Etymology of poise

Middle English poyse weight, heaviness, from Anglo-French peis, pois, from Latin pensum, from neuter of pensus, past participle of pendere to weigh — more at pendant

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1649

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of poise

tact, address, poise, savoir faire mean skill and grace in dealing with others. tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

- questions showing a lack of tact

address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

- brought it off with remarkable address

poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

- answered the accusations with unruffled poise

savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

- the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

poise

noun \ ˈpwäz \

Definition of poise

: a centimeter-gram-second unit of viscosity equal to the viscosity of a fluid that would require a shearing force of one dyne to impart to a one-square-centimeter area of an arbitrary layer of the fluid a velocity of one centimeter per second relative to another layer separated from the first by a distance of one centimeter

Origin and Etymology of poise

French, from Jean Louis Marie Poiseuille †1869 French physician and anatomist

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1913

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

POISE Defined for English Language Learners

poise

verb

Definition of poise for English Language Learners

: to hold (something) in a balanced and steady position

POISE Defined for Kids

poise

verb \ ˈpȯiz \

Definition of poise for Students

poised; poising

1 : to hold or make steady by balancing

A book was poised on her head.

2 : to remain in position without moving

… a serpent was poised ready to strike.
—Lloyd Alexander, Time Cat

3 : to be or become ready for something

poise

noun

Definition of poise for Students

1 : the state of being balanced

2 : a natural self-confident manner

He spoke with great poise.

Medical Dictionary

poise

noun \ ˈpȯiz , ˈpwäz \

medical Definition of poise

: a cgs unit of viscosity equal to the viscosity of a fluid that would require a shearing force of one dyne to impart to a one square-centimeter area of an arbitrary layer of the fluid a velocity of one centimeter per second relative to another layer separated from the first by a distance of one centimeter