self-poised

[ self-poizd ]

adjective

1. acting with poise.
2. being balanced without support.

Other Words From

• self-pois·ed·ness [self-, poi, -zid-nis], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-poised¹

First recorded in 1620–30; self- ( def ) + poised ( def )

Example Sentences

Are we self-poised, or does our balance depend on something external?

From Project Gutenberg

But William was self-poised, and bore himself with a sort of brave humility that should have disarmed even rage itself.

From Project Gutenberg

Through it all he was the self-poised American, never losing his native sense of humour.

From Project Gutenberg

Walter Scott was big, broad, easy and self-poised, like one of his own historical novels.

From Project Gutenberg

He was always cool and self-poised, and his clear, resonant voice had a peculiar, agreeable quality.

From Project Gutenberg