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Poising Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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poising

[ˈpɔɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional state

Poising refers to the act of balancing or holding something in a steady position. This can apply to both physical objects and emotional states, where one manages to stabilize feelings or reactions. It is often used in contexts where equilibrium is expressed, whether it be in a literal sense, like poising a sculpture for display, or metaphorical, like poising oneself to handle an emotional situation without overreacting.

Synonyms

balancing, equilibrating, stabilizing.

Examples of usage

  • She was poising the painting on the easel.
  • He spent time poising himself for the interview.
  • The dancer was poising gracefully before her performance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, poising can refer to being mentally prepared before making decisions, helping reduce anxiety.
  • Body language experts suggest that 'poising' oneself can boost confidence and enhance communication.
  • Research shows that developing a poise in public speaking can improve audience engagement and attentiveness.

Art & Dance

  • In ballet and dance, poising is crucial; dancers must balance their bodies to create beautiful, flowing movements.
  • Many artistic disciplines value poise, as it conveys elegance and control in performance.
  • Artists often use poising in visual arts to depict balance and harmony in compositions.

Sports

  • In sports, proper poising is vital for maintaining balance and improving performance, especially in gymnastics and diving.
  • Athletes practice poise to enhance focus during high-pressure competitions.
  • Poised athletes are often seen as more composed and capable, impacting how teams and fans view them.

Everyday Life

  • In daily activities like yoga or balance exercises, poising helps maintain stability and improve posture.
  • People often seek poise in their demeanor during interviews or public speaking to leave a positive impression.
  • Achieving poise can be linked to personal development; feeling balanced often correlates with emotional well-being.

Origin of 'poising'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'posing' comes from the Middle English word 'posen', which means to place or to balance.
  • The word has roots in Latin, from 'ponere', meaning 'to put' or 'to place', showing the idea of setting something up.
  • The word has evolved to imply a sense of readiness and alignment, not just physical placing.

The word 'poise' originates from the Middle French 'pois', which means 'weight'. It has roots in Latin 'pensare', meaning 'to weigh'. Originally, poise referred to the act of balancing weight in a physical context. Over time, its usage expanded into metaphorical realms, including emotional stability and composure. The evolution reflects a move from a strict physical interpretation to broader applications in psychology and personal demeanor. The modern form of the word encompasses both its literal and figurative meanings, adapting to various contexts in language and usage.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,587, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.