# stance

/ˈstæns/ (US) · /stˈɑːns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stance
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. opinion or attitude

noun · CEFR B2

your public opinion or attitude toward a particular subject.

For teachers: a mental or emotional attitude adopted with respect to a particular issue; often implies a formal or public positioning.

- The government has taken a tough stance on environmental pollution.
- The senator's firm stance on trade policy has alienated some of her traditional supporters while gaining her respect among industrial leaders.

Usage: often used with the preposition 'on' or 'towards'

### 2. physical posture

noun · CEFR B2

the way you hold your body when standing, especially in a sport.

For teachers: the physical position or posture of the body, particularly one assumed for a specific activity like combat or athletics.

- The coach told the batter to widen his stance to improve his balance.
- The martial arts instructor corrected the student's stance, emphasizing that a stable base was essential for both defense and counter-attacks.

### 3. a place for vehicles

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Dialect

a specific place where buses or taxis wait for passengers.

For teachers: a designated station or rank for public transport vehicles to await passengers.

- We waited at the bus stance for the express coach to arrive.
- The city council recently renovated the central bus stance to include sheltered seating and real-time digital arrival displays.

Usage: primarily used in Scotland

## Examples

- The government took a firm stance against the new tax.
- The candidate's stance on environmental protection helped her win the support of younger voters.
- The diplomat maintained a neutral stance throughout the negotiations, refusing to align with either faction until a formal agreement was drafted.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.