Word
poise
/ˈpɔɪz/
Definitions
01composure
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a calm and confident way of behaving, even in difficult situations.
n. a state of composure and self-assuredness, particularly under pressure or in social situations.
“Even when the reporter asked a difficult question, the actress kept her poise.”
“The diplomat maintained his poise throughout the hostile negotiations, never once raising his voice or showing signs of irritation.”
Antonyms
02physical balance
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the way you carry your body in a balanced and graceful way.
n. the graceful and balanced manner in which a person carries their head and body.
“The dancer had perfect poise as she moved across the stage.”
“Years of classical ballet training had given her a natural poise that made her stand out in any crowd.”
Synonyms
03unit of viscosity
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a scientific unit used to measure how thick or sticky a liquid is.
n. a CGS unit of dynamic viscosity, equivalent to one dyne-second per square centimetre.
“The scientist measured the oil's thickness in poise to see if it was right for the machine.”
“The laboratory report specified the fluid's dynamic viscosity in poise, noting that it remained stable across a wide temperature range.”
Usage
Often used in the form 'centipoise' in practical engineering contexts.
04to balance
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to hold something in a balanced position, ready to be used or moved.
v. to hold something in a state of equilibrium or to prepare it for immediate action.
“The cat was poised on the fence, ready to jump down at any moment.”
“The athlete stood with his javelin poised, waiting for the signal to begin his approach.”
Usage
Commonly used in the passive voice or as a participle followed by 'to' or 'on'.
Real-World Examples
“But Hearts rediscovered their poise to edge the shootout 4-3 and secure what may be their most significant result in Europe for more than two decades.” “The contrast between his meek performance and that of his compatriot and opposite number Igor Thiago, combining power and poise, felt significant.” Etymology
From Middle English poys, poyse, from Anglo-Norman pois, Middle French pois (“weight”) and Anglo-Norman poise, Middle French poise (“measure of weight”), from Latin pendere (“to weigh, ponder, think”). Doublet of peise.
From French physicist and physiologist Jean Léonard Marie Poiseuille.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/poise