Sample sentences for POISE - verbalworkout.com

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Definition

calm and in control — as in "shows poise under pressure"

and/or:

prepared for action — as in "poised for action" — (sometimes suspended or hovering as in "a finger poised over the mute button")

and/or:

confident and graceful in movement — as in "the poise and balance of a dancer"

Much more rarely, poise is a technical word referencing a unit of dynamic viscosity.

She has great charm and great poise.

poise = composure (calm confidence — even when under pressure)

The army is poised to attack.

poised = prepared (to do something)

She has such balance and poise, she can effortlessly move, jump, and change position on the balance beam.

poise = confidence and grace in movement

The once self-conscious girl is now a woman with considerable poise.

poise = composure (calm confidence)

I'm helpless as the first hunter crashes through the trees, spear lifted, poised to throw.
Suzanne Collins -- The Hunger Games

poised = prepared (ready)

Archie was at the doorway, poised to flee if Janza made a move.
Robert Cormier -- The Chocolate War

poised = prepared (ready)

He was poised as if to begin running.
David Almond -- Kit's Wilderness

poised = ready and prepared

But the young body carried a sense of command, a poised assurance,
Frank Herbert -- Dune

poised = coolness and composure

When Blore came up alone I had the big marble clock poised ready.
Agatha Christie -- And Then There Were None

poised = ready to move as needed

Practice elocution, poise and how to attain it
F. Scott Fitzgerald -- The Great Gatsby

poise = remaining calm and in control

I ran up the stairs and grabbed Rosaleen from behind, stopping her with one foot poised in the air, searching for the next step.
Sue Monk Kidd -- The Secret Life of Bees

poised = suspended

Mama looked at Papa, her lips still poised to speak.
Mildred D. Taylor -- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

poised = prepared (ready to do something)

Papa was poised at the front gate.
Markus Zusak -- The Book Thief

poised = prepared (ready)

Curley was balanced and poised.
John Steinbeck -- Of Mice and Men

poised = ready to move as needed

She was poised for running, as though she were going to sprint off, immediately, to wherever her father was.
Madeleine L'Engle -- A Wrinkle in Time

poised = prepared (ready)

And the sled itself seemed to be poised at the top of a long, extended mound that rose from the very land where he was.
Lois Lowry -- The Giver

poised = balanced and ready for action

At regular intervals along this channel were guards, looking around anxiously and poised to strike at the first hint of danger.
Kiera Cass -- The Selection

poised = prepared (ready)

Her small hands were clasped to her chest and she was poised on her toes as if music were about to start.
Madeline Miller -- Circe

poised = balanced and ready for action

At eight hundred feet Henry slowed down the helicopter screws, and they hung for a minute or two poised above the fading landscape.
Aldous Huxley -- Brave New World

poised = suspended

His newborn cunning gave him poise and control.
Jon Krakauer -- Into the Wild

poise = composure (a state of calmness)

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