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

This uncompromising stance is being fuelled by a combination of factors.

From BBC

Lawmakers repeatedly questioned Kennedy over his stance on the Covid-19 vaccine, including Senator Mark Warner, who asked the health leader how many lives the shots had saved during the pandemic.

From BBC

In the past, Xi appeared to keep his distance from Putin and Kim, and publicly maintain a neutral stance on the war in Ukraine.

From BBC

But it is not entirely clear if his party is explicitly taking a stance on whether or not it ultimately backs independence.

From BBC

His stance was understandable, of course - Guehi was his skipper and a key player in his team.

From BBC

Related Words

• attitude 
• posture 
• stand 
• viewpoint