stance
Americannoun
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the position or bearing of the body while standing.
legs spread in a wide stance; the threatening stance of the bull.
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a mental or emotional position adopted with respect to something.
They assumed an increasingly hostile stance in their foreign policy.
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Sports. the relative position of the feet, as in addressing a golf ball or in making a stroke.
noun
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the manner and position in which a person or animal stands
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sport the posture assumed when about to play the ball, as in golf, cricket, etc
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general emotional or intellectual attitude
a leftist stance
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a place where buses or taxis wait
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mountaineering a place at the top of a pitch where a climber can stand and belay
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”; see also stand
Explanation
Your stance is your posture or the way you stand. Figuratively, if you take a stance against bullying, you are standing against it. If you take a stance on a contentious issue, it means you believe strongly about it one way or the other. If your stance is unpopular, you'll need some courage to speak your mind. The word comes from the Italian stanza which means stopping place. Your stance is something that's not likely to change. You have stopped there, your decision is made. You're done.
Vocabulary lists containing stance
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 6
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But in that crowded field, Bores has gotten attention for his stance on the A.I. industry.
From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026
Xi has described Taiwan as the most sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations, a stance he reiterated at his meeting with Trump this month.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026
There had been "no change" in Washington's stance towards Taiwan, but "any decision about future Taiwan arms sales... will rest with" US President Donald Trump, Hegseth said.
From Barron's • May 30, 2026
In a wider footballing context, Al‑Khelaifi's stance against the European Super League also reflected his increasing power and belief in raising the club's presence.
From BBC • May 29, 2026
Cain drew his sword, a crooked grin on his face as he crouched in a defensive stance in the center of the ring.
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
