Poised

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /pɔɪzd/

Definitions

1. Displaying a calm and balanced demeanor while being prepared for immediate action or response
2. Exhibiting a composed and stable posture that shows readiness and confidence in approaching tasks or challenges
3. Demonstrating a steady and self-assured presence while being ready for prompt execution or response to circumstances

Etymology: "Poised" is the past participle of the verb "poise," which entered English in the 13th or 14th century from Old French "peser," meaning "to weigh," itself from Latin "pensare," a frequentative of "pendere," "to weigh or hang." The literal sense was physical balance, as when a thing is held evenly so that it neither falls nor tips. The idea of a steady, balanced body gradually extended to a balanced mind and manner. The adjective grew out of that participle. A poised dancer or a poised bird is one held in exact equilibrium, ready to move at once, and the figurative use keeps that same tension between stillness and readiness. A "poised" speaker is composed, not frozen.

Synonyms: composed, balanced, self-assured, collected, ready

Antonyms: clumsy, unbalanced, unprepared, awkward, nervous