poise

verb

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\ ˈpȯiz

poised; poising

Definition of poise

(Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : 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

poise

noun (1)

\ ˈpȯiz

Definition of poise (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : a stably balanced state : equilibrium a poise between widely divergent impulses— F. R. Leavis

2a : 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

poise

noun (2)

\ ˈpwäz

Definition of poise (Entry 3 of 3)

: 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

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing poise Learn More About poise

Choose the Right Synonym for poise

Noun (1)

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

Examples of poise in a Sentence

Verb 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

First Known Use of poise

Verb

1597, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1913, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for poise

Verb

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

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

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

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Dictionary Entries Near poise

pointy-head

poise

poised

Statistics for poise

Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poise. Accessed 16 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for poise

poise

verb

\ ˈpȯiz

poised; poising

Kids Definition of poise

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

Kids Definition of poise (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the state of being balanced

2 : a natural self-confident manner He spoke with great poise.

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