poised
adjective
[ pɔɪzd ]
• having a composed and self-assured manner.
• "not every day you saw that poised, competent kid distressed"
Similar:
self-possessed,
self-assured,
composed,
assured,
self-controlled,
cool-headed,
calm,
cool,
and collected,
at ease,
tranquil,
serene,
unperturbed,
unruffled,
impassive,
nonchalant,
confident,
self-confident,
dignified,
equable,
imperturbable,
suave,
urbane,
elegant,
together,
unfazed,
unflappable,
nonplussed,
equanimous,
poise
verb
• be or cause to be balanced or suspended.
• "he poised motionless on his toes"
Similar:
balance,
hold (oneself) steady,
steady oneself,
be suspended,
hang suspended,
remain motionless,
hang in mid-air,
hang,
hover,
Origin:
late Middle English (in the sense ‘weight’): from Old French pois, peis (noun), peser (verb), from an alteration of Latin pensum ‘weight’, from the verb pendere ‘weigh’. From the early senses of ‘weight’ and ‘measure of weight’ arose the notion of ‘equal weight, balance’, leading to the extended senses ‘composure’ and ‘elegant bearing’.
