Composure vs. Poise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on October 18, 2023
Composure refers to a calmness and stability of mind, especially under pressure, while poise is about grace, balance, and a controlled demeanor in any situation.
Difference Between Composure and Poise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Composure often signifies a calm mental state, especially in challenging situations. It implies an ability to maintain self-control and not be easily agitated. For instance, during a challenging negotiation, an individual maintaining composure would not let emotions dictate their reactions, ensuring rational decisions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Poise, on the other hand, extends beyond mental calmness. While it includes maintaining calm, it emphasizes a graceful and dignified bearing, regardless of the situation. A poised individual, for instance, might move or speak with elegance and confidence, even if they're faced with an unexpected challenge.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Both composure and poise involve a certain steadiness, but where composure is rooted mainly in emotional stability, poise encompasses the overall demeanor, including physical movements and verbal communication. It's the difference between being emotionally steady (composure) and showing that steadiness with elegance and confidence (poise).
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
In some contexts, the two can be used interchangeably, especially when talking about remaining calm. However, poise often carries an added element of grace and elegance, something that's not inherently present in composure. Someone can have composure without poise, but it's harder to possess poise without some level of composure.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Calmness of mind, especially under stress.
Graceful balance and dignity in one's demeanor.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
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Usage
Often used in emotionally charged or stressful events.
Can be used in any situation, highlighting gracefulness.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Broader context
Can be inward and not always visible.
Often evident in physical appearance, movement, or speech.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Definitions
Composure
Stability in thoughts, especially during challenges.
He displayed composure during the intense debate.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
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Poise
Confidence in one's demeanor.
His poise during the presentation won the client over.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Composure
A calm state of mind and emotion.
Even amidst chaos, she maintained her composure.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Poise
A dignified composure in character or bearing.
She answered the difficult questions with poise.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Composure
Self-possession in trying circumstances.
Despite the setbacks, he showed remarkable composure.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Poise
Controlled grace in movement or speech.
With poise, she addressed the large audience.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Composure
The ability to remain unflustered.
The player's composure during the penalty kick was admirable.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Poise
To carry or hold in equilibrium; balance
I poised the pencil on the edge of the table.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Composure
An unperturbed mental demeanor.
Her composure in handling criticisms impressed many.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Poise
To cause to be ready or about to do something
She is poised to win the nomination.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
To be balanced or held in suspension
She poised at the end of the diving board.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
Confident composure; self-possession
Answered the reporters' questions with poise.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
A centimeter-gram-second unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Composure
The act of composing, or that which is composed; a composition.
Signor Pietro, who had an admirable way both of composure [in music] and teaching.
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Sep 29, 2023
Composure
Orderly adjustment; disposition.
Various composures and combinations of these corpuscles.
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Sep 29, 2023
Poise
(physics) A CGS unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimetre.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Composure
Frame; make; temperament.
His composure must be rare indeedWhom these things can not blemish.
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Sep 29, 2023
Composure
A settled state; calmness; sedateness; tranquillity; repose.
When the passions . . . are all silent, the mind enjoys its most perfect composure.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
The weight, or mass of metal, used in weighing, to balance the substance weighed.
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Sep 29, 2023
Composure
Steadiness of mind under stress;
He accepted their problems with composure and she with equanimity
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Sep 29, 2023
Poise
(obsolete) To hang in equilibrium; to be balanced or suspended; hence, to be in suspense or doubt.
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Sep 29, 2023
Poise
To hold (something) with or against something else in equilibrium; to balance, counterpose.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
To hold (something) in equilibrium, to hold balanced and ready; to carry (something) ready to be used.
I poised the crowbar in my hand, and waited.
To poise the scales of a balance
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
To keep (something) in equilibrium; to hold suspended or balanced.
The rock was poised precariously on the edge of the cliff.
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Sep 29, 2023
Poise
The weight, or mass of metal, used in weighing, to balance the substance weighed.
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Sep 29, 2023
Poise
The state of being balanced by equal weight or power; equipoise; balance; equilibrium; rest.
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Sep 29, 2023
Poise
That which causes a balance; a counterweight.
Men of unbounded imagination often want the poise of judgment.
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Sep 29, 2023
Poise
A dignified and self-confident manner; graceful composure and tact in handling difficult social situations.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
To balance; to make of equal weight; as, to poise the scales of a balance.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
To hold or place in equilibrium or equiponderance.
Nor yet was earth suspended in the sky;Nor poised, did on her own foundation lie.
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Sep 29, 2023
Poise
To counterpoise; to counterbalance.
One scale of reason to poise another of sensuality.
To poise with solid sense a sprightly wit.
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Sep 29, 2023
Poise
To ascertain, as by the balance; to weigh.
He can not sincerely consider the strength, poise the weight, and discern the evidence.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
To weigh (down); to oppress.
Lest leaden slumber peise me down to-morrow.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
To hang in equilibrium; to be balanced or suspended; hence, to be in suspense or doubt.
The slender, graceful sparsPoise aloft in air.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
A cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter; the viscosity of a fluid in which a force of one dyne per square centimeter maintains a velocity of 1 centimeter per second
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
Be motionless, in suspension;
The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Poise
Graceful and balanced conduct.
Her poise at the formal event was noticeable.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Poise
Elegance in manner and posture.
The dancer moved with incredible poise.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
FAQs
Is poise just about physical bearing?
No, while it often relates to physical bearing, poise also encompasses mental grace and confidence.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Can you be poised but not composed?
Rarely. Poise often requires an element of composure, but the reverse isn't always true.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Can someone have composure but lack poise?
Yes, one can be calm (composure) without necessarily displaying grace or elegance (poise).
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Does poise relate to physical balance?
While it can refer to physical balance, poise more broadly relates to graceful control in various situations.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Can someone lose their composure but still regain it?
Absolutely. With mindfulness and self-control, one can regain composure.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Is composure always visible?
No, composure is a mental state and might not always manifest outwardly.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Which is more about emotional control, composure or poise?
Composure, as it specifically deals with emotional steadiness.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Is composure the same as indifference?
No, composure is about calmness under pressure, not a lack of care or interest.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Are there exercises to enhance poise?
Yes, activities like yoga, ballet, or public speaking can enhance poise.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Can poise be learned?
Yes, through practice and mindfulness, one can develop poise in demeanor and actions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Are composure and poise always positive?
Generally, yes. Both are often seen as admirable qualities.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
How can one improve their poise?
Practice, self-awareness, and learning from poised role models can help.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
