poise

I

(New American Roget's College Thesaurus)

n. equilibrium, balance, steadiness; bearing, self-possession, dignity, composure, imperturbability, coolness, nonchalance. See inexcitability.

II

(Roget's IV) n.

Syn. balance, gravity, equilibrium, tact; see composure , dignity 1 .

See Synonym Study at tact .

III

(Roget's 3 Superthesaurus) n.

1. balance stability, equilibrium, equipoise.

2. dignity self-assurance, aplomb, coolness, confidence, sangfroid, serenity, composure, savoir faire, equanimity, presence of mind. ''The ability to be ill at ease inconspicuously.''—Earl Wilson. ''The art of raising your eyebrows instead of the roof.''—Howard Newton.

ANT.: 1. imbalance, instability. 2. insecurity, *loss of cool, panic

IV

(Roget's Thesaurus II) I verb 1. To place or be placed on a narrow or insecure surface: balance, perch. See POSTURE. 2. To remain stationary over a place or object: hang, hover. See HANG. II noun 1. A stable, calm state of the emotions: aplomb, balance, collectedness, composure, coolness, equanimity, imperturbability, imperturbableness, nonchalance, sang-froid, self-possession, unflappability. Slang: cool. See CALM, FEELINGS. 2. Freedom from constraint, formality, embarrassment, or awkwardness: casualness, ease, easiness, informality, naturalness, spontaneity, unceremoniousness, unrestraint. See RESTRAINT, TIGHTEN.