stance

[stans]

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.

stance

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stance¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stance¹

C16: via French from Italian stanza place for standing, from Latin stāns , from stāre to stand

Example Sentences

The company’s robust 3Q performance reinforces Jefferies’ positive stance on its continued market share expansion, branded drug sales momentum and growing monetization from advertising and digital marketing, the analysts say.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I know these men, and they’re not going to stop till they think they can get what they want,” said Shealy, who feels the state’s Republican Party has abandoned her over her stance.

Read more on Salon

This persistent inflation could reinforce expectations that the BOJ may soon resume tightening, especially after recent indications that the central bank may be preparing to shift its policy stance.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

One week ago I put out a note taking a corrective stance.

Read more on Barron's

Clad in close-fitting black outfits, two performers get into stance for a fight scene.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attitude 
• posture 
• stand 
• viewpoint