verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

pose

pohz

Pose (verb) means to hold a particular position of the body, often for a photo or painting. Example: “The models posed for the camera on the rooftop.”

verb

To hold a particular position of the body, often for a photo or painting.

"The models posed for the camera on the rooftop."

"He posed proudly next to his new car."

To present or create a problem, risk, or question.

"Rising sea levels pose a serious threat to coastal towns."

"The interviewer posed a tricky question about her past."

To pretend to be someone or something else, usually to deceive.

"The scammer posed as a bank representative."

noun

A particular position of the body, or an affected, showy manner.

"She struck a dramatic pose for the magazine cover."

How to use pose

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo hold a body position for effect, to present a problem or question, or to falsely pretend to be someone.

Common mistake

Don't confuse "pose a question" (ask) with "pose a threat" (create danger) — same word, different flavor of meaning depending on what follows it.

Common pairings

pose a threat pose a question pose as pose for a photo

Word forms

posed past tense, posed past tense, poses plural, poses plural, poses singular, poses singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The models _____ for the camera on the rooftop.

Etymology

From Old French poser, "to place or put," ultimately from Latin pausare ("to pause, rest").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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model present raise constitute create sit

Related words

make here give show face example past future

Rhymes for pose

rose nose lose dose Jose hose Bose close moose whose goose loose

See all rhymes for 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.

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make here give show face example past future