1. graceful and elegant bearing in a person’s behavior or movement
2. calm self-confidence in manner or bearing

1. to hold or carry in a balanced or suspended state
2. to be ready or prepared for action

Examples

• She walked across the stage with remarkable poise.
• The dancer maintained perfect poise throughout the performance.
• He answered the difficult questions with complete poise.
• The gymnast poised herself on the balance beam.
• The cat poised to pounce on the mouse.
• The company is poised for rapid growth next year.
• She poised the pen above the paper before signing.