Poise
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /pɔɪz/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Poise is a noun meaning A state of balance, equilibrium or stability.
Meaning
A state of balance, equilibrium or stability.
More Meanings
- Composure; freedom from embarrassment or affectation.
- Mien; bearing or deportment of the head or body.
- A condition of hovering, or being suspended.
- (physics) A CGS unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimetre.
- The weight, or mass of metal, used in weighing, to balance the substance weighed.
- That which causes a balance; a counterweight.
- (obsolete) Weight; an amount of weight, the amount something weighs.
Example Sentences
one scale of reason to poise another of sensuality
The slender, graceful spars / Poise aloft in the air.
1699, John Dryden, Epistle to John Dryden to poise with solid sense a sprightly wit
Every man poiseth [translating poise] upon his fellowes sinne, and elevates his owne.
Word Forms
- poises
- poising
- poised
Synonyms for poise
Depending on context, synonyms include cool, balance, brace, aplomb, sang-froid, assuredness.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include balance, assuredness, aplomb, sang-froid, self-possession, cool.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.