stance
STANS
/stæns/
The way in which someone stands, especially when deliberately adopted (as in a sport); a person's attitude toward something.
In martial arts, a stance is a specific, functional posture designed for balance and power.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'stare,' meaning 'to stand.' It passed through Old French and Italian to describe a 'stopping place' or a way of standing. It's the same root that gives us 'status' and 'station.'
Word relationships
- posture: Posture is the general way you hold your body; stance is a specific position for a specific purpose.
- attitude: Attitude is a mental position, while stance can be both physical and mental.
Commonly confused with
- position: Position is where you are; stance is how you are standing.
Collocations
- defensive stance
- take a stance
- fighting stance
Example sentences
- "The karateka dropped into a low horse stance, ready to absorb the incoming strike." Describing a fighter's preparation.
- "The senator took a firm stance against the proposed tax increase." Metaphorical use in politics.
Memory hook
Your 'stance' is how you 'stand' your ground. Stance = Stand.
When not to use
Avoid using it to mean just 'standing' without purpose; it implies a deliberate choice of position.
Fun facts
- In baseball, a 'batting stance' is as unique to a player as their signature.
Also appears in
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