pose
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for pose, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To hold a particular position of the body, often for a photo or painting.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use pose
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French poser, "to place or put," ultimately from Latin pausare ("to pause, rest").
Full origin of pose →Frequently asked questions
What does “pose” mean?
The word “pose” means to hold a particular position of the body, often for a photo or painting. In plain terms, to hold a body position for effect, to present a problem or question, or to falsely pretend to be someone.
How do you pronounce “pose”?
“Pose” is pronounced pohz (/poʊz/ in IPA).
How do you use “pose” in a sentence?
Here is “pose” used in a sentence: “The models posed for the camera on the rooftop.”
What part of speech is “pose”?
Depending on how it is used, “pose” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pose” come from?
The word “pose” comes from Latin. From Old French poser, "to place or put," ultimately from Latin pausare ("to pause, rest").
Is “pose” a common word?
“Pose” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “pose” have?
“Pose” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hold a particular position of the body, often for a photo or painting.
What is the difference between 'pose a question' and 'ask a question'?
Both mean to put a question forward, but to pose a question sounds more formal and often suggests a weighty, thought-provoking, or challenging one. "Ask" is the plainer, everyday choice for ordinary questions.
When do you use pose to mean 'present a problem'?
Pose is used this way when something creates or raises a difficulty, risk, or question, as in "the storm poses a threat" or "this poses a problem." Here it does not involve the body at all; it means to give rise to something that must be dealt with.
What are common collocations with pose?
In the body sense, you pose for a photo, painting, or portrait. In the abstract sense, something can pose a threat, pose a risk, pose a problem, pose a challenge, or pose a question.