C2verbmoneymedia
US/pɔɪz/
UK/pɔɪz/
to keep something balanced and still, ready to move; (be poised to) be about to do something
In context
Vietnam's economy is poised to grow faster than most of its neighbours next year.
The waiter stood with his pen poised, waiting for us to order.
The cat poised itself on the edge of the roof, ready to jump.
Words that go with poise
verb + preposition
- poised toThe company is poised to become the market leader.
- poised forAfter years of losses, the airline is poised for a comeback.
- poised betweenFor weeks, the country seemed poised between war and peace.
- poised onA bird was poised on the very top of the pole.
adverb + verb
- perfectly poisedWith two games left, the team is perfectly poised to win the league.
- delicately poisedThe talks are delicately poised, and one mistake could end them.