poised
(of a person) composed, dignified, and self-assured.
being in balance or equilibrium: a ball poised on the nose of a seal.
teetering or wavering: to be poised on the brink of disaster.
hovering or suspended in or as in midair: a bird poised in flight; a helicopter poised overhead.
readied or prepared to do something or for something to happen: a singer poised to make sales history with a new album.
Origin of poised
1Other words from poised
- un·poised, adjective
Words Nearby poised
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use poised in a sentence
Fueled by outrage over the actions of former Minnesota officer Derek Chauvin, the efforts to eliminate “qualified immunity” seemed poised to usher in a new era empowering citizens who felt wronged by police.
Dozens of states have tried to end qualified immunity. Police officers and unions helped beat nearly every bill. | Kimberly Kindy | October 7, 2021 | Washington PostThe staff, many of whom come from the well-regarded Fabio Trabocchi empire, are a poised and informed bunch.
Jones played for Belichick’s close associate, Coach Nick Saban, in college at Alabama and looked poised and promising during training camp and the preseason.
Patriots release Cam Newton, turn to Mac Jones as starter | Mark Maske | August 31, 2021 | Washington PostThe family’s not the only thing getting bigger, as the outrageous action of F9 seems poised to outdo everything that came before it.
These new systems are already starting to transform how businesses operate—and they stand poised to do so in a much bigger way in the coming years.
Hovering above the scene, commandos in helicopters were poised with automatic rifles.
Already, 10 Republicans have declared they will vote for an alternative candidate and more seemed poised to join.
The current conflict it fuels is now poised to last long into the new year.
The brand logo turned out to feature a graceful archer on horseback, in a Tatar national costume, poised to shoot his arrow.
Rebranding The Land of Mongol Warriors & Ivan The Terrible | Anna Nemtsova | December 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe grandson of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland, Nicholas Vreeland was poised for a decadent life in high-society.
His neck looked as powerful as a bull's, and his rather small head was poised upon it with a sort of triumphant boldness.
Bella Donna | Robert HichensQuickly her poised arm descended, and the knife she held sank deeply into his heart.
The Homesteader | Oscar MicheauxBlack Hood altered his position slightly so that he clung to the pole with one hand, his body poised for a leap.
Automatic pencil poised, he was scanning the crossword puzzle intently.
Then with superb curves the lovely gulls swept round, and remained delicately poised over the stern.
The Chequers | James Runciman
British Dictionary definitions for poised
/ (pɔɪzd) /
self-possessed; dignified; exhibiting composure
balanced and prepared for action: a skier poised at the top of the slope
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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