Stance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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stance
[stæns ]
Definitions
political
A person's stance is their attitude or opinion about an issue, especially a political one.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stance |
Used to refer to someone's attitude or standpoint on a particular issue, often implying a firm or publicly stated attitude.
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| position |
Often denotes a well-thought-out and reasoned viewpoint, usually within a formal or professional context.
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| view |
Used to express a personal perspective or consideration, often less formal than 'opinion' and can also imply visual perspective.
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| opinion |
Best used when referring to a personal belief or judgment that may not necessarily be based on facts or knowledge.
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Examples of usage
- He has a very strong stance on environmental issues.
- The candidate's stance on healthcare is a key factor for many voters.
physical
Stance can also refer to the way in which someone stands, especially in a sport or martial arts.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stance |
Use when discussing someone's viewpoint or opinion on a issue, often in debates or arguments.
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| posture |
Use when talking about the physical arrangement of someone's body, or metaphorically about someone's attitude or approach.
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| position |
Use when referring to someone's place, role, or viewpoint in a physical or figurative way, such as a job or an opinion.
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Examples of usage
- His wide stance helped him maintain balance while surfing.
- The boxer adjusted his stance to prepare for the next round.
general
Stance can be a general term for someone's position or perspective on a particular issue.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stance |
This word is often used to describe someone's firmly held position or opinion on an issue, usually in public or formal discussions.
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| position |
Use this word to describe someone's official or formal opinion on an issue, often in a professional or political context.
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| view |
This word is commonly used to describe someone's personal opinion or perspective on a subject, typically less formal than 'position'.
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| attitude |
This refers to a person's feelings, thoughts, or behaviors towards something or someone, often reflecting their emotional state or personal perspective.
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Examples of usage
- Her stance on the matter was clear from the beginning.
- I respect your stance, even though I may not agree with it.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research suggests that our physical stance can influence our beliefs and emotions – standing tall can make you feel more confident.
- A person's stance often reflects their level of agreement or disagreement with an idea, affecting interpersonal communication.
- Nonverbal cues, including stance, play a crucial role in how messages are interpreted in social interactions.
Sports
- In sports like baseball, a player's stance at the plate can influence their performance and approach to hitting.
- Martial arts emphasize the importance of stance; each position can determine balance and readiness for action.
- Different techniques are adapted based on the athlete's stance, highlighting how critical posture is for success.
Literature
- Authors often use characters' stances to reveal deeper themes or conflicts in stories.
- In poetry, the stance of a speaker can impact the tone and message, shaping the reader’s understanding.
- Notable literary critiques often examine the stance authors take towards social issues, enriching the text's interpretation.
Social Issues
- People often take a public stance on social issues, influencing awareness and change, like environmentalism and equality.
- Activism relies heavily on stances, as movements gain momentum through collective viewpoints and actions.
- Debates hinge on the stances individuals or groups take, showcasing differing perspectives on controversial topics.
Origin of 'stance'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old French word 'estance,' which means 'standing' or 'position.'
- Stance has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe physical posture and viewpoints.
- Over time, it evolved to include opinions on topics beyond just physical positions.
The word 'stance' originated from the Middle English word 'staunce', which in turn came from the Old French word 'estance'. The Old French word had its roots in the Latin word 'stantia', meaning 'a standing'. Over time, 'stance' evolved to encompass both physical and metaphorical meanings, reflecting a person's position or perspective on various issues.