pose

¹

[ pohz ]

verb (used without object)

, posed, pos·ing.

1. to assume a particular attitude or stance, especially with the hope of impressing others:

   He likes to pose as an authority on literature.

2. to present oneself insincerely:

   He seems to be posing in all his behavior.

3. to assume or hold a physical attitude, as for an artistic purpose:

   to pose for a painter.

   Synonyms: model, sit

verb (used with object)

, posed, pos·ing.

1. to place in a suitable position or attitude for a picture, tableau, or the like:

   to pose a group for a photograph.

2. to assert, state, or put forward:

   That poses a difficult problem.

3. to put or place.

noun

1. a bodily attitude or posture:

   Her pose had a note of defiance in it.

2. a mental attitude or posture:

   a pose cultivated by the upper classes.

3. the act or period of posing, as for a picture.
4. a position or attitude assumed in posing, or exhibited by a figure in a picture, sculptural work, tableau, or the like.
5. a moment in which a dancer remains motionless, usually in an assumed posture.
6. a studied attitude; affectation:

   His liberalism is merely a pose.

pose

²

[ pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, posed, pos·ing.

1. Archaic. to perplex or baffle, as by a difficult question or problem.
2. Obsolete. to examine by putting questions.

posé

³

[ poh-zey; French paw-zey ]

noun

, Ballet.

, plural po·sés [poh-, zeyz, paw-, zey].

1. a movement in which the dancer steps, in any desired position, from one foot to the other with a straight knee onto the flat foot, demi-pointe, or pointe.

pose

¹

/ pəʊz /

verb

1. rare.
   to puzzle or baffle
2. archaic.
   to question closely

pose

²

/ pəʊz /

verb

1. to assume or cause to assume a physical attitude, as for a photograph or painting
2. introften foll byas to pretend to be or present oneself (as something one is not)
3. intr to affect an attitude or play a part in order to impress others
4. tr to put forward, ask, or assert

   to pose a question

noun

1. a physical attitude, esp one deliberately adopted for or represented by an artist or photographer
2. a mode of behaviour that is adopted for effect

Other Words From

• pos·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pose¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English verb posen, from Middle French poser, from Late Latin pausāre “to stop, cease, rest,” derivative of Latin pausa “stop, cessation” ( pause ); French poser has taken over the basic sense of Latin pōnere “to put, place” and represents it in French borrowings of its prefixed derivatives ( compose, depose, etc.)

Origin of pose²

First recorded in 1520–30; shortening of obsolete appose, variant of oppose, used in sense of Latin appōnere “to put to”

Origin of pose³

First recorded in 1925–30; from French: “poised,” past participle of poser “to pose”; pose ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pose¹

C16: from obsolete appose, from Latin appōnere to put to, set against; see oppose

Origin of pose²

C14: from Old French poser to set in place, from Late Latin pausāre to cease, put down (influenced by Latin pōnere to place)

Synonym Study

See position.

Example Sentences

Shares in vaccine makers and healthcare firms around the world slid sharply on Friday, as investors warned that Donald Trump's choice of Robert F Kennedy Jr as US Health Secretary could pose new challenges to the sector.

From BBC

As I watch him strike the trophy pose again, I shake my head to drive away thoughts of his athletic body deteriorating before my eyes.

From Los Angeles Times

Elon Musk’s ties to the Trump administration pose potential conflicts of interest for his various businesses that have extensive contracts with the federal government.

From Los Angeles Times

Markert said the Facebook posts could pose a problem for the church if the IRS decides to investigate the violation.

From Los Angeles Times

Does this movie pose a threat to live music in any way?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• give
• present
• suggest