English Reference
verb · adjective

posed

v. · adj.
US /ˈpoʊzd/ UK /pˈəʊzd/ posed

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.sat or stood in a specific way for a photograph or a painting.

    v.positioned the body in a particular attitude for a portrait, photograph, or artistic study.

    Simple

    The family posed for a group photo in front of the old house.

    In context

    The subjects posed for the artist for several hours, maintaining their rigid posture despite the stifling heat of the studio.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.created or presented a problem, danger, or question.

    v.presented or constituted a problem, challenge, or question. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Simple

    The heavy rain posed a serious threat to the outdoor concert.

    In context

    The sudden collapse of the regional bank posed a systemic risk to the national economy, forcing the central bank to intervene immediately.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.looking artificial or fake, like someone is trying too hard to look good.

    adj.characterised by an artificial or unnatural quality; appearing staged rather than spontaneous.

    Simple

    The smile in her profile picture looked a bit posed and unnatural.

    In context

    Critics argued that the documentary felt too posed, with the subjects clearly performing for the camera rather than behaving naturally.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.pretended to be someone else to trick people.

    v.assumed a false identity or character in order to deceive others. Usually followed by the preposition 'as'.

    Simple

    The thief posed as a plumber to get into the apartment building.

    In context

    The undercover agent successfully posed as a high-level consultant for months before the operation was compromised.

Those questions should be posed – a man has died – but we cannot yet know the answers.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026

He also took new shots of Schlesinger, who posed in a pink jacket in Kensington Gardens in London.

Smithsonian Magazine· 17 Jun 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated