poised

[pɔɪzd]

Language▾

German

Persian

Russian

Spanish

poise

Being poised means being calm and confident at the same time, like a tightrope walker who stays steady on the high wire.

You often hear people describe someone as poised when they give a speech or performance - it's usually a compliment. For example, an actress might be described as poised on stage because she looks natural and collected in front of the audience. But being poised isn't just about formal situations like that. It can also mean staying calm in a stressful situation, like during a big meeting at work or when dealing with a difficult person. When someone is poised, they usually seem very sure of themselves, which makes them easy to trust and respect.

How common is "poised"?

Word poised is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To hang in equilibrium; to be balanced or suspended; hence, to be in suspense or doubt.
To counterpoise; to counterbalance.
To be of a given weight; to weigh.
To add weight to, to weigh down.
To hold (something) with or against something else in equilibrium; to balance, counterpose.
To hold (something) in equilibrium, to hold balanced and ready; to carry (something) ready to be used.
Example: I poised the crowbar in my hand, and waited.
To keep (something) in equilibrium; to hold suspended or balanced.
Example: The rock was poised precariously on the edge of the cliff.
To ascertain, as if by balancing; to weigh.

1 / 8

adjective

Possessing poise, having self-confidence.
Ready, prepared.
Example: He stood there, poised to act, and then suddenly he drew his gun in a smooth arc.
Balanced, in position, equilibrium

1 / 3

Real examples of "poised" in context

We simulated if you can really reach anyone in 6 steps

Entertainment

There's something about the world that makes it prone to those upheavals, meaning it's always kind of poised on an edge of instability.

31:56