The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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poised

adjective

/pɔɪzd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of poised

Balanced, composed, and self-assured.
"The team remained poised under pressure, executing their strategy flawlessly."

Detailed meaning of poised

It describes someone or something that exhibits a calm and confident demeanor, ready for action or response. When applied to a person, 'poised' suggests a sense of grace, composure, and collectedness even in challenging or stressful situations. It implies a readiness to handle whatever may come their way with confidence and control. Additionally, 'poised' can describe an object or mechanism that is in a stable or balanced position, poised for movement or operation. In a figurative sense, 'poised' can also denote a state of readiness or anticipation, indicating that something is on the verge of happening or about to occur. Overall, 'poised' encompasses the idea of being balanced, composed, and prepared, both in terms of personal demeanor and readiness for action.

Example sentences containing poised

1. The athlete remained poised at the starting line, awaiting the sound of the gun.
2. The ballerina stood poised on her tiptoes, ready to begin her graceful performance.
3. The speaker delivered the speech with a poised and confident demeanor, captivating the audience.
4. The cat crouched, poised to pounce on its unsuspecting prey.
5. The actress exhibited a poised presence on the stage, captivating the audience with her performance.
6. The gymnast demonstrated a poised balance beam routine, showcasing her control and precision.

History and etymology of poised

The adjective 'poised' derives its etymology from the Old French word 'pois,' which meant weight or balance. This term was influenced by the Latin word 'pensum,' which also referred to weight or something that is weighed. Over time, 'poised' came to embody the idea of being balanced, composed, and self-assured, much like an object in perfect equilibrium. It conveys a sense of readiness and confidence, as if someone is in a state of perfect balance, both physically and emotionally. The evolution of the term 'poised' reflects its historical association with stability and equilibrium, which has been extended to describe a person's calm and confident demeanor.

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Further usage examples of poised

1. The musician's fingers hovered over the piano keys, poised to create beautiful melodies.
2. The leaders engaged in a poised discussion, considering various viewpoints before making a decision.
3. The chess player sat with a poised expression, carefully contemplating their next move.
4. The surgeon remained poised throughout the complex procedure, ensuring precise and steady hands.
5. The CEO exuded a poised and confident demeanor during the important board meeting.
6. She remained poised and confident during the important presentation.
7. The gymnast was poised for a flawless routine on the balance beam.
8. The actor delivered his lines with a poised and captivating demeanor.
9. Despite the chaos, the leader stayed poised and in control.
10. The skier was poised on the edge of the slope, ready to descend.
11. The pianist's fingers were poised over the keys, ready to play.
12. He entered the interview room, poised to answer any question.
13. The young CEO was remarkably poised for her age.
14. The bride walked down the aisle with a poised and graceful step.
15. The athlete was poised to break the world record.
16. She maintained a poised composure in the face of criticism.
17. The diplomat remained poised during tense negotiations.
18. The CEO's poised leadership inspired confidence in the team.
19. Despite the storm, the ship remained poised in the water.
20. The politician gave a poised and eloquent speech to the crowd.
21. The chess player was poised to make a game-changing move.
22. The model walked the runway with a poised and confident stride.
23. The scientist was poised to make a groundbreaking discovery.
24. The author's writing was always poised and articulate.
25. The student remained poised even under the pressure of exams.