ENGLISH
REFERENCE

poised

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɔɪzd// UK //pˈɔɪzd// poised

adj. ready to do something or move at any moment. It also describes someone who is calm and has a lot of self-control.

adj. characterised by a state of readiness or equilibrium; prepared to take immediate action. When describing a person, it refers to a composed and self-assured manner.


SIMPLE

The cat is poised to jump on the mouse.

CONTEXTUAL

The company is poised to become the market leader after its latest successful product launch.

COMPLEX

Despite the intense pressure from the media, the young diplomat remained poised, answering every difficult question with remarkable grace and clarity.

Synonyms
Usage

Often followed by an infinitive ('poised to do') or a prepositional phrase ('poised for').

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