poise
pronunciation
How to pronounce poise in British English:
UK [pɔɪz]
How to pronounce poise in American English:
US [pɔɪz]
-
- Noun:
- a cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter; the viscosity of a fluid in which a force of one dyne per square centimeter maintains a velocity of 1 centimeter per second
- a state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium
- great coolness and composure under strain
-
- Verb:
- be motionless, in suspension
- prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
- cause to be balanced or suspended
- hold or carry in equilibrium
Word Origin
- poise
- poise: see ponder
- poise (n.)
- early 15c., "weight, quality of being heavy," later "significance, importance" (mid-15c.), from Old French pois "weight, balance, consideration" (12c., Modern French poids), from Medieval Latin pesum "weight," from Latin pensum "something weighted or weighed," (source of Provençal and Catalan pes, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian peso), noun use of neuter past participle of pendere "to weigh" (see pendant). The sense of "steadiness, composure" first recorded 1640s, from notion of being equally weighted on either side (1550s). Meaning "balance" is from 1711; meaning "way in which the body is carried" is from 1770.
- poise (v.)
- late 14c., "to have a certain weight," from stressed form of Old French peser "to weigh, be heavy; weigh down, be a burden; worry, be a concern," from Vulgar Latin *pesare, from Latin pensare "to weigh carefully, weigh out, counter-balance," frequentative of pendere (past participle pensus) "to weigh" (see pendant). For form evolution from Latin to French, see OED. Meaning "to place in equilibrium" is from 1630s (compare equipoise). Passive sense of "to be ready" (to do something) is from 1932. Related: Poised; poising. In 15c. a poiser was an official who weighed goods.
Example
- 1. An aig spokesman expressed disappointment with grassely 's comment and said that aig staff were continuing to work today with professionalism and poise .
- 2. The key was projecting poise without arrogance ; if I could do that , I would be , as they say , in business .
- 3. Crafting important legislation , manning the situation room , and hammering out peace treaties is truly important work that requires intelligence , poise , and character .
- 4. Studies have shown that they are more likely to be promoted than their plain-jane colleagues . Because people tend to project positive traits onto them , such as sensitivity and poise , they may also be at an advantage in job interviews .
- 5. She talks with poise and passion to presidents and prime ministers .