posture
The position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting; to behave in a way that is intended to impress or mislead.
As a noun, it refers to physical alignment. As a verb, it carries a negative nuance of adopting an artificial attitude or posing to look strong or important.
Word relationships
- stance: Stance refers to the physical way one stands, often related to balance, while posture refers to the overall alignment of the spine and limbs.
- pose: Pose is a temporary, deliberate position held for artistic or social effect, whereas posture is a general physical habit.
- slouch: Slouching is a lazy, drooping position, whereas posture implies an organized, upright physical alignment.
Commonly confused with
- pasture: Pasture is land covered with grass suitable for grazing animals, whereas posture is physical body alignment.
Word family
- postural (adjective): Relating to the posture of the body.
- posturer (noun): A person who behaves in an affected or artificial way.
Collocations
- good posture
- poor posture
- posture for effect
- political posturing
Example sentences
- "Good posture is essential for preventing back pain when sitting at a desk all day." A health guide emphasizing physical alignment.
Memory hook
A wooden post is straight and upright; your posture should be like a strong post. How you stand is how you land.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'pose' when referring specifically to a static position held for a photograph or painting.
Fun facts
- In the Victorian era, young women were sometimes forced to wear backboards or stiff corsets to enforce a perfectly upright posture, which was considered a sign of high moral character.
Explore more words
align, haughty, conduct, dissemble, condescending, pretentious
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