Meaning & use
poised
Calm, composed, and self-assured, especially in a difficult or tense situation.
See it in a sentence
She remained poised throughout the interview, even when asked unexpected questions.
The gymnast looked poised and confident just before her final routine.
A note on using this word
Poised can also mean 'ready and about to act', as in 'poised to strike' or 'poised for growth'.
Words with a similar meaning
composedself-possessed
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
flusteredanxious
Another way to use it
2. adjective
In a state of readiness for immediate action.
The company is poised to launch its new product line next month.
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