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

He said he is optimistic that artificial intelligence may boost economic growth without generating price increases, but cautioned that it’s too early for the Fed to relax its anti-inflation stance.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Carter took a conciliatory stance toward the Brentwood school, saying he did not want to deprive students of the facilities.

From Los Angeles Times

The trends reinforce Daiwa’s positive stance on the hybrid design service provider’s structural outlook.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Fed’s policy stance is likely near a level where it is neither boosting nor restraining economic activity, Logan said.

From The Wall Street Journal

She needs to maintain her popular tough stance on China without overly antagonizing Japan’s No. 2 customer for exports.

From Barron's

Related Words

• attitude
• posture
• stand
• viewpoint