Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense poses, present participle posing, past tense, past participle posed
1. verb
If something poses a problem or a danger, it is the cause of that problem or danger.
This could pose a threat to jobs in the coal industry. [VERB noun]
His ill health poses serious problems for the future. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: present, cause, produce, create More Synonyms of pose
2. verb
If you pose a question, you ask it. If you pose an issue that needs considering, you mention the issue.
[formal]
When I finally posed the question, 'Why?' he merely shrugged. [VERB noun]
...the moral issues posed by new technologies. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: ask, state, advance, put More Synonyms of pose
3. verb
If you pose as someone, you pretend to be that person in order to deceive people.
Industrial spies posed as flight attendants. [VERB + as]
4. verb
If you pose for a photograph or painting, you stay in a particular position so that someone can photograph you or paint you.
Before going into their meeting the six foreign ministers posed for photographs. [VERB + for]
Synonyms: position yourself, sit, model, strike a pose More Synonyms of pose
5. verb [usually cont]
You can say that people are posing when you think that they are behaving in an insincere or exaggerated way because they want to make a particular impression on other people.
[disapproval]
He criticized them for dressing outrageously and posing pretentiously. [VERB]
Synonyms: put on airs, affect, posture, show off [informal] More Synonyms of pose
6. countable noun
A pose is a particular way that you stand, sit, or lie, for example when you are being photographed or painted.
We have had several preliminary sittings in various poses.
Synonyms: posture, position, bearing, attitude More Synonyms of pose
7. countable noun
A pose is an insincere or exaggerated way of behaving that is intended to make a particular impression on other people.
[disapproval]
In many writers modesty is a pose, but in Ford it seems to have been genuine.
Synonyms: act, role, façade, air More Synonyms of pose
pose in British English1
(pəʊz)
verb
1.
to assume or cause to assume a physical attitude, as for a photograph or painting
2. (intransitive; often foll byas)
to pretend to be or present oneself (as something one is not)
3. (intransitive)
to affect an attitude or play a part in order to impress others
4. (transitive)
to put forward, ask, or assert
to pose a question
noun
5.
a physical attitude, esp one deliberately adopted for or represented by an artist or photographer
6.
a mode of behaviour that is adopted for effect
Word origin
C14: from Old French poser to set in place, from Late Latin pausāre to cease, put down (influenced by Latin pōnere to place)
pose in British English2
(pəʊz)
verb(transitive)
1. rare
to puzzle or baffle
2. archaic
to question closely
Word origin
C16: from obsolete appose, from Latin appōnere to put to, set against; see oppose
pose in American English1
(poʊz)
verb transitiveWord forms: posed or ˈposing
1.
to put forth; assert (a claim, argument, etc.)
2.
to put forward or propose (a question, problem, etc.)
3.
to put (a model, photographic subject, etc.) in a certain position or attitude
verb intransitive
4.
to assume a certain position or attitude, as in modeling for an artist
5.
to strike attitudes for effect; attitudinize
6.
to pretend to be what one is not; set oneself up (as)
to pose as an officer
noun
7.
a bodily attitude, esp. one held for or pictured by an artist, photographer, etc.
8.
a way of behaving or speaking that is assumed for effect; pretense
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈposture
SYNONYMY NOTE: pose1 refers to an attitude or manner that is assumed for the effect that it will haveon others [her generosity is a mere pose]; affectation is used of a specific instance of artificial behavior intended to impress others[an affectation of speech]; a mannerism is a peculiarity as in behavior or speech (often originally an affectation) thathas become habitual and unconscious [his mannerism of raising one eyebrow in surprise]; airs (see air (sense 8) is used of an affected pretense of superior manners and graces [she's always putting on airs]
Word origin
ME posen < OFr poser, to put in position < VL pausare, to place, put < L, to stop (see pause): meaning and form altered by assoc. with L positus, pp. of ponere, to place, put: see position
pose in American English2
(poʊz)
verb transitiveWord forms: posed or ˈposing
to puzzle or disconcert, as by an almost unanswerable question; baffle
Word origin
aphetic for appose, oppose
Examples of 'pose' in a sentence
pose
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…
The power pose was one of those nuggets of glamorous research which gained instant global popularity.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He strikes a pose according to circumstances.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is the original sculpture credited with bringing about the birth of modern art: a teenage dancer whose pose pushed artists into revolution.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You might also want to pose the application ideas to your group members.
Christianity Today (2000)
He wanted batsmen to hold a pose for the cameras.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This curiosity should make you pose some questions naturally.
Marius, Richard A Short Guide to Writing About History (1995)
The report does not pose such questions.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
These financial woes also pose a threat to the democratic process.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He intends to ensure people who pose a threat are not released from jail before they go on trial.
The Sun (2008)
Then there are those who warn that programming machines to think could one day pose a threat to mankind itself.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In other languages
pose
British English: pose VERB
If something poses a problem or a danger, it is the cause of that problem or danger.
This could pose a threat to jobs in the coal industry.
American English: pose
Brazilian Portuguese: representar
Chinese: 造成 >问题、危险
European Spanish: plantear
French: poser
German: darstellen
Italian: porre
Japanese: もたらす
Korean: > 야기하다문제나 위험을
European Portuguese: representar
Latin American Spanish: plantear
British English: pose NOUN
A pose is a particular way that you stand, sit, or lie, for example when you are being photographed or painted.
We have had several preliminary sittings in various poses.
American English: pose
Brazilian Portuguese: pose
Chinese: 姿势 >问题、危险
European Spanish: postura
French: pose
German: Pose
Italian: posa
Japanese: ポーズ
Korean: 포즈
European Portuguese: pose
Latin American Spanish: postura
Translate your text for free
All related terms of 'pose'
pose problems
A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties for people.
pose a danger
Danger is the possibility that someone may be harmed or killed.
pose a dilemma
A dilemma is a difficult situation in which you have to choose between two or more alternatives .
pose a hazard
A hazard is something which could be dangerous to you, your health or safety , or your plans or reputation .
re
You use re in business letters , faxes , or other documents to introduce a subject or item which you are going to discuss or refer to in detail .
Chinese translation of 'pose'
pose
(pəuz)
n(c)
姿势(勢) (zīshì) (种(種), zhǒng)
vt
[question]
(= ask) 问(問) (wèn)
(= raise) 提出 (tíchū)
[problem, danger]引发(發) (yǐnfā)
vi
to pose as sb摆(擺)出某人的样(樣)子 (bǎichū mǒurén de yàngzi)
to pose for sth[painting, photograph]为(為)某事摆(擺)姿势(勢) (wèi mǒushì bǎi zīshì)
to strike a pose装(裝)样(樣)子 (zhuāng yàngzi)
1 (verb)
Definition
to create or be (a problem, threat, etc.)
His ill health poses serious problems.
Synonyms
present
We presented three options to the unions for discussion.
cause
I don't want to cause any trouble.
produce
Cooking with spices produces a wonderful smell.
create
Criticism will only create feelings of failure.
lead to
result in
constitute
On 6 July a People's Revolutionary Government was constituted.
give rise to
2 (verb)
Definition
to put forward or ask
When I posed the question `Why?', he merely shrugged.
Synonyms
ask
I wasn't the only one asking questions.
state
Clearly state your address and telephone number.
advance
Many theories have been advanced as to why this is.
put
To put it bluntly, he just doesn't care.
set
He took the case out of her hand and set it on the floor.
submit
I submit that you knew exactly what you were doing.
put forward
posit
Several writers have posited the idea of a universal consciousness.
propound
She continues to propound her theories about the supernatural.
3 (verb)
Definition
to take up a particular position to be photographed or drawn
The six foreign ministers posed for photographs.
Synonyms
position yourself
sit
She was sitting for the artist for 8 hours.
model
strike a pose
arrange yourself
4 (verb)
Definition
to behave in an affected way in order to impress others
He criticized them for posing pretentiously.
Synonyms
put on airs
affect
posture
Rock stars sneered, postured and leaped on the TV screen.
show off (informal)
He had been showing off at the poker table.
showboat
strike an attitude
attitudinize
1 (noun)
Definition
a position taken up for an artist or photographer
We have had several sittings in various poses.
Synonyms
posture
She walked haltingly and her posture was stooped.
position
He had raised himself into a sitting position.
bearing
She later wrote warmly of his bearing and behaviour.
attitude
scenes of the king in various attitudes of worshipping
stance
The detective shifted her stance from one foot to the other.
mien (literary)
his mild manner and aristocratic mien
2 (noun)
Definition
behaviour adopted for effect
In many writers modesty is a pose, but in him it seems to be genuine.
Synonyms
act
His anger was real. It wasn't just an act.
role
façade
At work they hid their dislike of each other behind a façade of cheerfulness.
air
front
posturing
pretence
She was completely without guile or pretence.
masquerade
She claimed that the elections would be a masquerade.
mannerism
affectation
She writes well, without fuss or affectation.
attitudinizing
phrasal verb
See pose as something or someone
Additional synonyms
in the sense of advance
Definition
to present an idea for consideration
Many theories have been advanced as to why this is.
Synonyms
suggest,
offer,
present,
propose,
allege,
cite,
advocate,
submit,
prescribe,
put forward,
proffer,
adduce,
offer as a suggestion
in the sense of affectation
Definition
an attitude or manner put on to impress others
She writes well, without fuss or affectation.
Synonyms
pretence,
show,
posing,
posturing,
act,
display,
appearance,
pose,
façade,
simulation,
sham,
pretension,
veneer,
artifice,
mannerism,
insincerity,
pretentiousness,
hokum (slang, US, Canadian),
artificiality,
fakery,
affectedness,
assumed manners,
false display,
unnatural imitation
in the sense of attitude
Definition
a position of the body
scenes of the king in various attitudes of worshipping
Synonyms
position,
bearing,
pose,
stance,
carriage,
posture
Synonyms of 'pose'
pose
Explore 'pose' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of bearing
Definition
a person's general social conduct
She later wrote warmly of his bearing and behaviour.
Synonyms
manner,
attitude,
conduct,
appearance,
aspect,
presence,
behaviour,
tone,
carriage,
posture,
demeanour,
deportment,
mien (literary),
air,
comportment
in the sense of cause
Definition
to be the cause of
I don't want to cause any trouble.
Synonyms
produce,
begin,
create,
effect,
lead to,
occasion (formal),
result in,
generate,
provoke,
compel,
motivate,
induce,
bring about,
give rise to,
precipitate,
incite,
engender
in the sense of constitute
Definition
to set up (an institution) formally
On 6 July a People's Revolutionary Government was constituted.
Synonyms
set up,
found,
name,
create,
commission,
establish,
appoint,
delegate,
nominate,
enact,
authorize,
empower,
ordain,
depute
in the sense of create
Definition
to be the cause of
Criticism will only create feelings of failure.
Synonyms
cause,
lead to,
occasion (formal),
beget (old-fashioned),
bring about
in the sense of façade
At work they hid their dislike of each other behind a façade of cheerfulness.
Synonyms
show,
front,
appearance,
mask,
exterior,
guise,
pretence,
veneer,
semblance
in the sense of masquerade
Definition
an attempt to keep secret the real identity or nature of something
She claimed that the elections would be a masquerade.
Synonyms
pretence,
disguise,
deception,
front (informal),
cover,
screen,
put-on (slang),
mask,
cover-up,
cloak,
guise,
subterfuge,
dissimulation,
imposture
in the sense of mien
Definition
a person's manner, bearing, or appearance
his mild manner and aristocratic mien
Synonyms
demeanour,
look,
air,
bearing,
appearance,
aspect,
presence,
manner,
carriage,
aura,
countenance (literary),
deportment
in the sense of posit
Definition
to lay down as a basis for argument
Several writers have posited the idea of a universal consciousness.
Synonyms
put forward,
advance,
submit,
state,
assume,
assert,
presume,
predicate,
postulate (formal),
propound
in the sense of position
Definition
the way in which a person or thing is placed or arranged
He had raised himself into a sitting position.
Synonyms
posture,
attitude,
arrangement,
pose,
stance,
disposition (archaic)
in the sense of pretence
Definition
a false display
She was completely without guile or pretence.
Synonyms
show,
posturing,
artifice,
affectation,
display,
appearance,
posing,
façade,
veneer,
pretentiousness,
hokum (slang, US, Canadian)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of produce
Definition
to bring (something) into existence
Cooking with spices produces a wonderful smell.
Synonyms
cause,
lead to,
result in,
effect,
occasion (formal),
generate,
trigger,
make for,
provoke,
set off,
induce,
bring about,
give rise to,
engender
in the sense of propound
Definition
to put forward for consideration
She continues to propound her theories about the supernatural.
Synonyms
put forward,
present,
advance,
propose,
advocate,
submit,
suggest,
lay down,
contend,
postulate (formal),
set forth
in the sense of put
Definition
to express
To put it bluntly, he just doesn't care.
Synonyms
express,
say,
state,
word,
phrase,
set,
pose,
utter,
frame,
convey,
articulate
in the sense of set
Definition
to put in a specified position or state
He took the case out of her hand and set it on the floor.
Synonyms
put,
place,
lay,
leave,
park (informal),
position,
rest,
plant,
station,
stick (informal),
deposit,
locate,
lodge,
situate,
plump,
plonk
in the sense of show off
Definition
to flaunt skills, knowledge, or looks in order to attract attention or impress people
He had been showing off at the poker table.
Synonyms
boast,
brag,
blow your own trumpet,
swagger,
hot-dog (US),
showboat,
strut your stuff (informal),
make a spectacle of yourself
in the sense of sit
Definition
to pose for a painting or photograph
She was sitting for the artist for 8 hours.
Synonyms
pose,
model
in the sense of stance
Definition
the manner and position in which a person stands
The detective shifted her stance from one foot to the other.
Synonyms
posture,
carriage,
bearing,
deportment
in the sense of state
Definition
to express (something) in words
Clearly state your address and telephone number.
Synonyms
say,
report,
declare,
specify,
put,
present,
explain,
voice,
express,
assert,
utter,
articulate,
affirm,
expound,
enumerate,
propound,
aver,
asseverate (formal)
in the sense of submit
I submit that you knew exactly what you were doing.