stance

American  

[stans] / stæns /

noun

1. the position or bearing of the body while standing: standing.

   legs spread in a wide stance; the threatening stance of the bull.

2. a mental or emotional position adopted with respect to something.

   They assumed an increasingly hostile stance in their foreign policy.

3. Sports. the relative position of the feet, as in addressing a golf ball or in making a stroke.

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stance British  

/ stæns, stɑːns /

noun

1. the manner and position in which a person or animal stands

2. sport the posture assumed when about to play the ball, as in golf, cricket, etc

3. general emotional or intellectual attitude

   a leftist stance

4. a place where buses or taxis wait

5. mountaineering a place at the top of a pitch where a climber can stand and belay

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Etymology

Origin of stance

First recorded in 1525–35; from Old French estance, “(standing) position,” from Vulgar Latin stantia (unrecorded), derivative of Latin stant-, stem of stāns “standing,” present participle of stāre “to stand”; stand

Example Sentences

Before issuing another mandate or performance review, leaders should pause and ask: What stance am I taking right now?

From MarketWatch

Having long agitated for his Dutch-speaking home region to break free from the rest of Belgium -- his fierce stance protecting what he insists is the national interest has won him plaudits across the political spectrum.

From Barron's

Many economists do expect more loosening ahead, but echo the BOT’s stance that fiscal policy must also play a role.

From The Wall Street Journal

Over a year later, her stance hasn’t changed.

From Los Angeles Times

But what are the pros and cons of that stance - and will it change its position?

From BBC

Related Words

• attitude
• posture
• stand
• viewpoint