poised

[ poizd ]

adjective

1. (of a person) composed, dignified, and self-assured.
2. being in balance or equilibrium:

   a ball poised on the nose of a seal.

3. teetering or wavering:

   to be poised on the brink of disaster.

4. hovering or suspended in or as in midair:

   a bird poised in flight; a helicopter poised overhead.

5. readied or prepared to do something or for something to happen:

   a singer poised to make sales history with a new album.

poised

/ pɔɪzd /

adjective

1. self-possessed; dignified; exhibiting composure
2. balanced and prepared for action

   a skier poised at the top of the slope

Other Words From

• un·poised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of poised¹

First recorded in 1635–45; poise ¹ + -ed ², -ed ³

Example Sentences

It suggests we’re entering an era of climate nationalism, where the right could be poised to reclaim climate change as an issue of its own.

From Salon

Christian McCaffrey is poised to truly resurface.

From Los Angeles Times

With its rich resources, Canada’s mining companies see the country playing a major role in the future of nuclear energy, meeting a demand for uranium that is poised to rise after nearly two dozen countries committed in COP28 climate conference to tripling their nuclear energy output by 2050.

From BBC

This week's season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, where McIlroy is poised to win his sixth Race to Dubai title, marks the 27th and final event of the world number three's season.

From BBC

About the 120 of the company’s roughly 180 employees were poised to form a union bargaining unit represented by Communications Workers of America, according the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• balletic
• beautiful
• decorative
• delicate
• elegant
• exquisite
• handsome
• limber
• lithe
• neat
• nimble
• refined
• rhythmic
• shapely
• slender
• smooth
• supple
• symmetrical
• tasteful