Definition

1. Noun:

   • Composure and self-assurance, especially under pressure: A calm, confident, and controlled manner of behaving, particularly in difficult situations.
   • A state of balance or equilibrium: A condition in which opposing forces or elements are equal or in correct proportion, resulting in stability.
   • (Physics) A unit of dynamic viscosity: A centimeter-gram-second (CGS) unit for measuring a fluid's resistance to flow.

2. Verb:

   • To hold or carry in a balanced or steady position: To keep something stable and level, often in preparation for action.
   • To be or cause to be ready and suspended: To hover or be held in a state of temporary stillness or anticipation.
   • To prepare oneself mentally or physically: To brace or compose oneself for a challenging event.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She answered the difficult questions with remarkable poise. (She showed great composure.)
  • The dancer's poise was perfect, never faltering. (The dancer's balance was perfect.)
• Verb:
  • The heron poised itself on one leg at the water's edge. (The heron balanced itself.)
  • The company is poised to launch a new product. (The company is ready and positioned for action.)
  • He poised the pencil above the paper, thinking. (He held the pencil steady above the paper.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be poised for": To be ready and prepared to take a specific action.
  • The athletes were poised for the start of the race.
• "To be poised between": To be in a state of uncertainty between two options or conditions.
  • The project is poised between success and failure.

Variants and Related Words

• Poised (Adjective): Having a composed, self-assured manner; or being held in a state of readiness.
  • She gave a poised performance.
  • The poised needle didn't move.
• Poising (Verb, present participle): The act of balancing or holding steady.

Synonyms

• Noun (Composure): Composure, equanimity, aplomb, self-possession, dignity.
• Noun (Balance): Balance, equilibrium, stability, steadiness.
• Verb (Balance): Balance, steady, stabilize, level.
• Verb (Hover): Hover, hang, float, suspend.

Related Phrases

• "To lose one's poise": To become flustered or lose one's composure.
  • Under intense questioning, he finally lost his poise.
• "With perfect poise": With complete grace and control.
  • She handled the crisis with perfect poise.

Noun

1. great coolness and composure under strain
   • keep your cool
2. a state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium
3. a cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter; the viscosity of a fluid in which a force of one dyne per square centimeter maintains a velocity of 1 centimeter per second

Verb

1. hold or carry in equilibrium
2. cause to be balanced or suspended
3. prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
4. be motionless, in suspension
   • The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked