What does "poses" mean?

1. (to present a problem) to create a problem, danger, or difficulty that people have to deal with. 2. (to sit for a photo) to stay in a particular position so that someone can take a photo or paint you.

How do you use "poses"?

Commonly used with abstract nouns like 'threat', 'risk', 'challenge', or 'question'.

poses

US //ˈpoʊzəz// UK //pˈəʊzɪz// pos·es

1 to present a problem (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to create a problem, danger, or difficulty that people have to deal with.

to present or constitute a problem, challenge, or danger. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the difficulty.

Example

The heavy rain poses a serious risk of flooding for the houses near the river.

Example

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into the workplace poses significant ethical questions regarding data privacy and job security.

Usage

Commonly used with abstract nouns like 'threat', 'risk', 'challenge', or 'question'.
- solve
- resolve
2 to sit for a photo (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to stay in a particular position so that someone can take a photo or paint you.

to assume a particular physical stance or attitude, typically for a portrait, photograph, or artistic study.

Example

The winning team poses for a group photo after every match.

Example

The model poses for the sculptor twice a week, maintaining a difficult standing position for several hours at a time.
- model
- sit

Last updated June 20, 2026