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

Asked about its stance on slavery reparations, the Green Party highlighted a statement from one of its subgroups - the Global Majority Greens - welcoming the UN resolution.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

“We believe the BoK’s policy stance is likely to be wait-and-see and be data-dependent, rather than pre-emptive,” the economist writes in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

For him, “going exempt” was both a political stance and a matter of personal finances.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

United's stance remains they do not want to be bounced into an appointment, and will take their time reaching a decision.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Maybe Ms. Fleming cornered him in the teachers’ lounge and told him about Windy and Levi’s stance after I refused to read aloud.

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty

Related Words

• attitude
• posture
• stand
• viewpoint