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adj Common

posed

pohzd
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Posed (adj) means Arranged in a deliberate, often stiff or unnatural position, as opposed to caught naturally. Example: “The children looked bored in the posed photograph taken before the party.”

adj
1
Arranged in a deliberate, often stiff or unnatural position, as opposed to caught naturally.
"The children looked bored in the posed photograph taken before the party."
"I prefer candid snaps to posed portraits where everyone is staring at the camera."
"The wedding album was full of posed group shots."

How to use posed

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSet up or arranged for effect, rather than natural or spontaneous.

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The children looked bored in the _____ photograph taken before the party.

Antonyms

unposed

Related words

Rhymes for posed

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Frequently asked questions

What does “posed” mean?
The word “posed” means arranged in a deliberate, often stiff or unnatural position, as opposed to caught naturally. In plain terms, set up or arranged for effect, rather than natural or spontaneous.
How do you pronounce “posed”?
“Posed” is pronounced pohzd (/poʊzd/ in IPA).
How do you use “posed” in a sentence?
Here is “posed” used in a sentence: “The wedding album was full of posed group shots.”
What part of speech is “posed”?
“Posed” is an adjective.
Is “posed” a common word?
“Posed” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between posed and candid?
Posed describes something arranged in a deliberate, often stiff or unnatural position, while candid describes something caught naturally, without arrangement or awareness of being observed. The two terms are typically used as opposites when describing photographs.
Why do photographers prefer candid shots over posed ones?
Many photographers prefer candid shots because posed images can look deliberate, stiff, or unnatural, whereas candid shots capture genuine, spontaneous moments and expressions.
Can posed be used outside of photography?
Yes, posed can describe any deliberate, arranged positioning, not just photographs, such as a posed statue or a posed question in a debate, though its most common use relates to arranged physical stances.

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