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View synonyms for poised

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

“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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Other Words From

  • un·poised adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of poised1

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

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.

The 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.

The family’s not the only thing getting bigger, as the outrageous action of F9 seems poised to outdo everything that came before it.

From Time

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.

From Fortune

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.

The 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.

Quickly her poised arm descended, and the knife she held sank deeply into his heart.

Black 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.

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