poise
/pɔɪz/
Group 25Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- Graceful and elegant bearing; balance; composure GRE
Example in Context
The diplomat handled the unexpected confrontation with remarkable poise, never raising her voice or losing her measured tone.
Synonyms
gracecomposureelegance
Etymology
The ability to balance and maintain grace.
- pous (Latin) — to weigh
Memory Aid
⏸️Sounds like “pause”
Imagine a ballerina PAUSING mid-air in perfect POISE, making everyone gasp in disbelief!
Visual Association
🕊️A swan gliding elegantly across a serene lake, embodying grace and balance.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “poise” mean on the GRE?
poise (noun) means “Graceful and elegant bearing; balance; composure”. The diplomat handled the unexpected confrontation with remarkable poise, never raising her voice or losing her measured tone.
How to remember “poise” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “poise” sounds like “pause”. Imagine a ballerina PAUSING mid-air in perfect POISE, making everyone gasp in disbelief!
What are synonyms for “poise”?
Common synonyms: grace, composure, elegance.