poised
poised Lexical Profile
poised Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Completely ready and prepared to take action or experience an imminent change.
"Following months of successful clinical trials, the biotechnology firm is poised to launch its new treatment next spring."
Having a composed, graceful, and self-assured manner.
"Despite the intense questioning from the panel, the young candidate remained remarkably poised and articulate."
Suspended or balanced steadily in a particular physical position.
"The diver stood poised on the very edge of the high board before executing a flawless somersault."
Word Nuance & Usage
In the sense of being prepared or on the verge of action, 'poised' is used almost exclusively as a predicate adjective followed by a 'to'-infinitive or the preposition 'for' (e.g., 'poised to win' or 'poised for success'), whereas in the sense of being calm and self-assured it can precede a noun or follow a linking verb.
• Rhymes for poised
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed from the verb 'poise', which entered Middle English via Old French 'peser' (to weigh or balance), ultimately from Latin 'pensare' (to weigh carefully).