Stance
ˈstæns
Definitions
2 meaningsThe way in which someone stands, especially when they are preparing to do something.
ˈstæns
A position or posture of the body.
He adopted a relaxed stance.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're about to swing a bat, or maybe you're trying to look tough. Your stance is how you're standing – how you hold your body.
👶 For kids: The way someone stands, like how a baseball player stands before hitting the ball.
More Examples
Her yoga stance was perfect.
The boxer changed his stance to confuse his opponent.
How It's Used
"The batter adjusted his stance before the pitch."
"She adopted a defensive stance when confronted."
A particular attitude or way of thinking about something.
ˈstæns
A mental or emotional attitude or opinion.
The company's stance on sustainability is clear.
💡 Simply: It's like what you think about something. For example, your stance on pizza might be 'I love it!'
👶 For kids: What someone thinks about something, like if they like ice cream or not.
More Examples
She took a firm stance against bullying.
His stance on the issue evolved over time.
How It's Used
"The politician's stance on climate change is controversial."
"Her stance on immigration is widely known."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
take a stance
To express a position or opinion publicly.
"The organization decided to take a stance on the new policy."
From Middle English staunce, stawnce, from Old French estance (“standing, posture”), from estant, present participle of ester (“to stand”), from Latin stō, stare (“to stand”).
The word 'stance' has been used since the 14th century, initially to describe physical posture and later to encompass mental attitudes.
Memory tip
Think of a soldier standing at attention. Their *stance* is their posture.
Word Origin
"standing, posture"