Pose
POHZ
/poʊz/
A specific position of the body assumed for yoga, art, or deliberate physical posture.
In yoga, a pose (asana) is held with intention, breath control, and structural integrity.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'poser' (to place or put down), from Late Latin 'pausare' (to pause or rest). It merged in meaning with Latin 'positus' (placed). A pose is literally pausing your body in a set placement.
Word relationships
- stance: Stance refers specifically to standing position or mental attitude, whereas pose covers any held body shape.
- asana: Asana is the Sanskrit term specifically used for traditional yoga poses.
- movement: Movement is continuous position change, whereas a pose is a held shape.
Commonly confused with
- Posture: A pose is a temporary intentional shape; posture is your habitual daily bodily carriage.
Word family
- poser (noun): One who poses; or an insincere person.
Collocations
- hold a pose
- yoga pose
- assume a pose
- restorative pose
Idioms & expressions
- pose a question
- pose a threat
Example sentences
- "Hold the warrior pose for five deep breaths, keeping your front knee bent at ninety degrees." Yoga practice
- "The model held a striking pose while the students sketched the line of her spine." Art studio
Memory hook
PAUSE in a POSE—you stop moving to hold a deliberate body position. A shape paused in time.
When not to use
Do not confuse with unintentional body slumping or random resting shapes.
Fun facts
- The Sanskrit word for pose, 'Asana', original meant 'seat', as early yoga poses were purely seated positions for long meditation.
Related words
Also appears in
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