posture

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˈpɑstʃɜr/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    The position or arrangement of the body or limbs, especially as maintained during standing, sitting, or moving; the way one holds one's body.; A mental attitude or stance adopted toward a particular issue, situation, or person; a position taken on a matter.; A deliberate or affected manner of behaving or presenting oneself, often intended to impress or deceive others.; The state or condition of something at a particular time; a situation or set of circumstances.
  2. verb
    To assume or adopt a particular attitude or position, especially one that is artificial or intended to impress.; To place or arrange the body in a particular position.; To behave in an affected or exaggerated manner in order to attract attention or admiration.
  3. noun
    In yoga or physical exercise, a specific bodily position or pose held for a period of time.; In military or strategic contexts, the overall disposition and readiness of armed forces or defense capabilities.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable / uncountable Plural: postures 3rd sing.: postures Past: postured Past part.: postured Pres part.: posturing

Collocations

good posturebad posturepoor posturebody posturemaintain good posturestrike a posture

Derivatives

posturalposturingposturer

Synonyms

stanceposepositionbearingcarriageattitude

Commonly confused

gesture
EN: 'Posture' refers to the overall position or alignment of the body; 'gesture' refers to a specific deliberate movement, usually of the hands or arms.
pose
EN: 'Pose' implies a deliberate, often temporary arrangement of the body (e.g., for a photo); 'posture' is more about habitual or natural body alignment.
pasture
EN: 'Posture' relates to body position; 'pasture' refers to land covered with grass for grazing animals.

Spelling tips

EN: Do not confuse 'posture' with 'pasture' (grazing land). The 'o' in 'posture' relates to its Latin root 'positura' (position).

💬 Examples

  1. The doctor told her to improve her posture to reduce back pain.

  2. The government adopted a tough posture on immigration reform.

  3. His concern for the environment was merely a posture to win votes.

  4. The military posture of the nation was one of readiness and deterrence.

  5. He postured as a champion of the working class despite his wealthy background.

  6. The model postured for the photographer's camera.

  7. The politician postured before the cameras, making grand gestures and sweeping statements.

  8. The instructor guided the class through a series of challenging postures.

  9. NATO's nuclear posture has been a subject of debate among member states.