Meaning of the word poise in English

What does poise mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

poise

US /pɔɪz/
UK /pɔɪz/

Noun

1.

graceful and elegant bearing in a person

Example:
She handled the difficult questions with remarkable poise.
His natural poise made him a confident speaker.
2.

a state of balance

Example:
The acrobat maintained perfect poise on the tightrope.
The building's design gives it a sense of elegant poise.

Verb

to be or cause to be balanced or suspended

Example:
The hawk poised motionless in the air.
He poised the pen above the paper, deep in thought.
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