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

Soon officers were told to adopt the "show of strength" stance, meaning they should take batons out of their holders and above their heads, pointing upwards.

From BBC

Common Defense, in fact, goes beyond an anti-war stance to address the underlying ills that make such wars so much more likely.

From Salon

Such power could result in countries and companies who previously refused to engage being faced with tough decisions on whether to change their stance.

From BBC

Still, some fans are speculating that his firm stance against performing in the U.S. due to ICE was performative, now that he has accepted the Super Bowl gig.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet despite disagreement with its specifics, many support his “get tough” stance on illegal immigration.

From Salon

Related Words

• attitude 
• posture 
• stand 
• viewpoint