Word
poised
US/ˈpɔɪzd/
UK/pˈɔɪzd/
Definitions
01calm and confident
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having a calm and controlled manner, even in difficult situations.
adj. possessing self-assurance and composure; exhibiting a dignified and controlled manner.
“The young pianist appeared poised and calm as she walked onto the stage.”
“Despite the aggressive questioning from the press, the diplomat remained poised, answering each point with measured clarity.”
02ready to act
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. completely ready to do something or for something to happen.
adj. prepared and ready to take immediate action; often followed by an infinitive or the preposition 'for'.
“The company is poised to launch its new product early next year.”
“With the final signatures secured, the two nations are now poised for a historic breakthrough in trade relations.”
Usage
Commonly followed by 'to' + verb (e.g., 'poised to strike') or 'for' + noun.
Antonyms
03balanced
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. staying still in a balanced position.
adj. held in a state of equilibrium or suspended balance.
“The bird remained poised on the thin branch, waiting for a fish to appear.”
“The massive boulder looked dangerously poised on the edge of the cliff, as if a single gust of wind might send it crashing down.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Vieira looks poised to join Hamburg, where he was on loan last season, for £8.6m.” “El Hadji Malick Diouf is poised to join Brentford in a deal worth up to £40m.” “Taylor Harwood-Bellis is also poised to sign in a £25m deal from Southampton.” “Chelsea are poised for a busy end to the window and have finally been contacted by City about Fernández.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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