poised
Calm and balanced
Poised describes a state of readiness or balance.
Someone poised to act is prepared and waiting: She stood poised at the starting line.
A person who is poised has composure and self-assurance—calm under pressure, graceful in manner: He remained poised throughout the difficult interview.
Something poised on an edge is balanced precariously: The vase sat poised on the shelf's edge.
Made ready beforehand
- primedMade ready beforehand
- setArrange in position
- alertWarning or watchfulness
- anticipatoryFeeling or showing expectation
waiting · expectant · braced · coiled · tensed · hovering · suspended · on-edge
Free from agitation
- sereneUntroubled and composed
- collectedCalm and self-possessed
- unflappableImpossible to disturb
- placidCalm, undisturbed
tranquil · imperturbable · coolheaded · unruffled · self-possessed · equanimous · even-tempered · self-controlled
State of balance
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- levelHorizontal or uniform position
- centeredPlaced at midpoint
- stableSecure and unchanging
aligned · counterbalanced · equipoise · suspended · hovering · teetering · perched · delicately
Gracefully refined, tasteful
- refinedPurified or cultured
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
- dignifiedComposed and respectable
cultured · suave · debonair · gracious · smooth · statuesque · regal · stately
Certain or self-possessed
- self-assuredTrusting in oneself
- boldCourageous and daring
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- secureProtected from harm
assertive · commanding · authoritative · certain · empowered · self-reliant · undaunted · fearless
prepared
Made ready beforehand
anticipatory · waiting · expectant · braced · coiled · tensed · hovering · suspended · on-edge · imminent
calm
Free from agitation
- sereneUntroubled and composed
- collectedCalm and self-possessed
- unflappableImpossible to disturb
placid · tranquil · imperturbable · coolheaded · unruffled · self-possessed · equanimous · even-tempered · self-controlled · levelheaded
equilibrium
State of balance
stable · aligned · counterbalanced · equipoise · suspended · hovering · teetering · perched · delicately · precarious
elegant
Gracefully refined, tasteful
- refinedPurified or cultured
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
dignified · cultured · suave · debonair · gracious · smooth · statuesque · regal · stately · balletic
assured
Certain or self-possessed
- self-assuredTrusting in oneself
- boldCourageous and daring
- decisiveQuick to conclude
secure · assertive · commanding · authoritative · certain · empowered · self-reliant · undaunted · fearless · resolute
- mannersetiquette, manners, polite, rude, politeness
- body language descriptorsopen, closed, tense, relaxed, stiff
- composurecalm, calmness, composure, equanimity, cool-headed
- dance qualitiesfluidity, graceful, musicality, rhythmic, grace
- elegantchic, stylish, refined, tasteful, elegant
- posture expressionsslouch, slump, hunch, stoop, stand tall
poisedflustered
Nervously upset and confused
rattled · agitated · discomposed · unnerved · frazzled
poisedclumsy
Lacking physical coordination
unbalanced · awkward · ungainly · off-balance · wobbly
poisedgauche
Socially awkward, unrefined
self-conscious · unpolished · ill at ease · insecure · uncomfortable