stance

American  

[stans] / stæns /

noun

1. the position or bearing of the body while standing: standing.

   legs spread in a wide stance; the threatening stance of the bull.

2. a mental or emotional position adopted with respect to something.

   They assumed an increasingly hostile stance in their foreign policy.

3. Sports. the relative position of the feet, as in addressing a golf ball or in making a stroke.

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stance British  

/ stæns, stɑːns /

noun

1. the manner and position in which a person or animal stands

2. sport the posture assumed when about to play the ball, as in golf, cricket, etc

3. general emotional or intellectual attitude

   a leftist stance

4. a place where buses or taxis wait

5. mountaineering a place at the top of a pitch where a climber can stand and belay

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Etymology

Origin of stance

First recorded in 1525–35; from Old French estance, “(standing) position,” from Vulgar Latin stantia (unrecorded), derivative of Latin stant-, stem of stāns “standing,” present participle of stāre “to stand”; stand

Example Sentences

He was known for evolving from a conservative stance—hesitant to grant approvals—to finding new ways to push new drugs out faster.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Our stance remains firm and fair: all seven basin states must share in the responsibility of conservation.”

From Los Angeles Times

Volk undoubtedly commissioned the picture and perhaps even arranged the stance for this image.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fellow jury member Ewa Puszczynska said it was a "little bit unfair" to expect the jury to take a direct stance on the issue.

From Barron's

He takes this ghoulish stance in the name of making “The Five” more entertaining.

From Salon

Related Words

• attitude
• posture
• stand
• viewpoint