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posture Definition

pos·ture (päs′c̸hər)

noun

  1. the position or carriage of the body in standing or sitting; bearing
  2. such a position assumed as in posing for an artist
  3. the way things stand; condition with respect to circumstances the delicate posture of foreign affairs
    1. an attitude of mind; frame of mind
    2. an attitude assumed merely for effect
  5. an official stand or position, as that taken by a nation on a major issue

Etymology: MFr < It postura < L positura, a position < ponere, to place: see position

transitive verb -·tured, -·tur·ing

to place in a particular posture; pose

intransitive verb

to assume a bodily or mental posture; esp., to assume an attitude merely for effect; pose

posture Related Forms
pos′·tural adjective pos′·turer noun
posture Synonyms

posture

n.

  1. Stance

    pose, carriage, bearing, stance, attitude, demeanor, aspect, presence, condition; see also carriage 1, position 5.

  2. Attitude

    way of thinking, feeling, sentiment; see attitude 2.

posture refers to the habitual or assumed disposition of the parts of the body in standing, sitting, etc. erect posture; attitude refers to a posture assumed either unconsciously, as in manifesting an emotion or state of mind, or intentionally for a particular purpose an attitude of watchfulness, to kneel in an attitude of prayer; pose suggests a posture assumed, usually deliberately, as for artistic effect to hold a pose for a photographer; stance refers to a particular way of standing, esp. with reference to the position of the feet, as in certain sports the stance of a golfer

posture Synonyms

posture

v.

sit, display, attitudinize; see pose 2.

posture Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • defense: Both Houses resolve that the " kingdom should be put in a posture of defense " .

Converse of object

  • stoop: Gradually the pain caused Dennis to adopt a stooped posture which has never improved in spite of exercises.
  • hunch: Due to the low positioning of the laptop screen and the fixed keyboard, most laptop users maintain a hunched body posture while working.
  • adopt: Will I be required to chant, or adopt unusual postures?
  • sit: Good sitting posture maintains the spinal curves usually present in the erect standing position.
  • relax: Posture can also indicate status with higher status people tending to adopt a more relaxed open posture.
  • assume: Assume a straight posture - shoulders down, back straight.

Adjective modifier

  • upright: Then slowly restore an upright posture, starting at the ankles.
  • abnormal: Clues include abnormal posture; straining; lying with tummy pressed to the floor; or reluctance to move.
  • awkward: Manual Handling includes lifting, twisting, bending and awkward body postures.
  • defensive: This I have associated with a defensive posture I have seen in animals.
  • unnatural: This is an unnatural posture for designers, who work in intuitive and subjective ways.
  • inverted: I think that inverted postures may be causing the problem, but I don't really know.

Modifies a noun

  • control: The axial system, which in fishes had only a locomotor function, was also required for support and posture control on land.

Noun used with modifier

  • yoga: Yoga postures are a remedy for the whole person.
  • deterrent: The problems of the deterrent posture for Western Europe have given rise to two schools of thought.
  • deterrence: At its most dramatic, this automation was assumed in the nuclear deterrence posture of launch on warning.
  • readiness: These products may suggest a change in readiness posture, protective actions, or response that should be implemented in a timely manner.
  • wrist: Other factors are the wrist posture and shape while working, table height, the angle of the elbows, and repetitive motion.
  • defense: Based on the threat and scheme of maneuver, assets may need support to enhance their passive air defense posture.
posture Quotes

And now was acknowledged the presence of the Red Death. He had come like a thief in the night. And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedecked halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall.

—Poe, EdgarAllan