poise
/pɔɪz/noun
A condition of steady balance or stability.
Example sentences
- “The gymnast kept her poise on the narrow beam.”
- “The heron stood in perfect poise at the water's edge.”
Usually praise for composure under pressure: 'she answered with poise'. The adjective 'poised' also means ready to act.
Related words
polishedTo rub, clean, or grind a surface until it becomes smooth and shiny.poignantProducing a strong feeling of sadness or emotional pain.pollenThe fine, powder-like grains that flowers produce.plummetA lead weight tied to a line, used to measure water depth or to check that something is vertical.pompousBehaving in a grand, self-important way to seem more impressive than you are.plumbingThe network of pipes, taps, tanks, and related fittings that carry water, gas, or waste through a building. 