Pose Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pose

[poʊz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

strike a pose

To assume a particular position, especially a stylish or dramatic one, for a photograph or painting. It often involves deliberately positioning one's body in a way that is aesthetically pleasing or visually interesting.

Synonyms

model, position, post, posture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pose	Used when arranging one's body or suggesting a specific attitude or stance, usually for artistic purposes, like photography or painting. She decided to pose for the portrait artist He struck a confident pose for the camera
model	Generally refers to a person who is posing as part of their job in the fashion industry or for art. Can also mean creating a miniature or representing something in a visual way. The artist hired a model to sit for the painting She models designer clothes for a living
posture	Describes the way someone holds or positions their body, particularly when sitting or standing. Often related to health and movement. Good posture can prevent back pain Her posture was relaxed and confident
post	Refers generally to a place where someone is assigned to stay or a message or announcement made online. The guard was at his post all night She made a new post on her social media account
position	Used when referring to the specific physical location or arrangement of something or someone. Can also denote one's job or status. He changed the position of the chair She applied for the manager position at the company

Examples of usage

He posed against the graffiti-covered wall for the fashion magazine photoshoot.
She posed with her hand on her hip and a confident smile on her face.
The model posed in a variety of outfits for the catalog photos.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

a deliberate or theatrical movement or stance

A deliberate or theatrical movement or stance used for a specific purpose, such as in dance, modeling, or photography. It can also refer to a particular way of standing or sitting that is intended to convey a specific message or emotion.

Synonyms

attitude, gesture, position, stance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pose	Used to describe the way someone positions their body, often for a photograph or a particular purpose. Can also mean posing a question or challenge. She struck a dramatic pose for the camera. He posed a difficult question during the meeting.
stance	Refers to the way someone stands, or more commonly, their attitude or position on a particular issue. She took a defensive stance during the argument. His stance on environmental issues is well known.
attitude	Refers to someone's settled way of thinking or feeling about something, often reflected in their behavior. Her positive attitude helped her overcome many obstacles. His attitude towards work is very professional.
position	Used to describe the location or arrangement of someone or something in relation to other objects or places. It can also mean a person's stance or opinion on an issue. The position of the sofa needs to be adjusted. His position on the matter is very clear.
gesture	Describes a movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning. He made a gesture to call her over. A kind gesture can make someone's day.

Examples of usage

The ballerina held a graceful pose at the end of her performance.
He struck a dramatic pose on the red carpet, drawing attention from photographers.
The portrait painter asked the subject to hold a serious pose for the painting.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

In painting and sculpture, poses convey emotions and narratives, illustrating the subject's mood or story.
Famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci studied human poses extensively to achieve realistic depictions in their artworks.
The study of human poses is a fundamental aspect in figure drawing, allowing artists to capture movement and dynamism.

Pop Culture

Posing has become a significant part of social media culture, with influencers showcasing curated versions of themselves.
The 'selfie' pose emerged as a trend, where people often hold their phone at arm's length to capture themselves.
Many modeling agencies now train models on how to pose effectively to enhance their appeal in photos.

Psychology

Nonverbal communication, including posture and body language, can significantly impact how we perceive others.
Studies show that confident poses can enhance self-esteem, often referred to as 'power posing' in social psychology.
Our poses can influence not just how we feel about ourselves but also how others respond to us, shaping social interactions.

Dance

In dance, poses are crucial for expressing emotions and telling stories, often used during pauses in movement.
Many dance styles, such as ballet, integrate specific poses to showcase balance and grace.
Choreographers often design entire performances around key poses that highlight technical skill and artistry.

Origin of 'pose'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'ponere,' meaning 'to place,' linking to how we position ourselves.
First recorded use of 'pose' in English was in the late 14th century, originally meaning 'to place or put.'
More modern usage evolved in the 19th century, particularly in the world of art and photography.

The word 'pose' originated from the Middle English term 'posen,' which meant to place in a particular position. It has its roots in Old French and possibly from Latin 'pausare,' meaning to stop or rest. Over time, the word evolved to encompass not just physical positioning but also the idea of presenting oneself deliberately for a specific purpose, such as in art or photography.

See also: depose, dispose, expose, impose, poser, posing, repose, transpose, unposed.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,382 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6379 fashioned
6380 delivering
6381 expired
6382 pose
6383 turnover
6384 continuance
6385 distribute
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