poised

[poizd]

adjective

1. (of a person) composed, dignified, and self-assured.

2. being in balance or equilibrium.

   a ball poised on the nose of a seal.

3. teetering or wavering.

   to be poised on the brink of disaster.

4. hovering or suspended in or as in midair.

   a bird poised in flight; a helicopter poised overhead.

5. readied or prepared to do something or for something to happen.

   a singer poised to make sales history with a new album.

poised

/ pɔɪzd /

adjective

1. self-possessed; dignified; exhibiting composure

2. balanced and prepared for action

   a skier poised at the top of the slope

Other Word Forms

• unpoised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of poised¹

First recorded in 1635–45; poise ¹ + -ed ², -ed ³

Related Words

• balletic www.thesaurus.com
• beautiful 
• decorative 
• delicate 
• elegant 
• exquisite 
• handsome 
• limber 
• lithe 
• neat 
• nimble 
• refined 
• rhythmic 
• shapely 
• slender 
• smooth 
• supple 
• symmetrical 
• tasteful