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.
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.
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).
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.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Calmness of mind, especially under stress.
Graceful balance and dignity in one's demeanor.
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Focus
Primarily mental.
Encompasses both mental state and physical bearing.
Usage
Often used in emotionally charged or stressful events.
Can be used in any situation, highlighting gracefulness.
Related to
Emotional stability.
Dignified and elegant bearing.
Broader context
Can be inward and not always visible.
Often evident in physical appearance, movement, or speech.
Compare with Definitions
Composure
Stability in thoughts, especially during challenges.
He displayed composure during the intense debate.
Poise
Confidence in one's demeanor.
His poise during the presentation won the client over.
Composure
A calm state of mind and emotion.
Even amidst chaos, she maintained her composure.
Poise
A dignified composure in character or bearing.
She answered the difficult questions with poise.
Composure
Self-possession in trying circumstances.
Despite the setbacks, he showed remarkable composure.
Poise
Controlled grace in movement or speech.
With poise, she addressed the large audience.
Composure
The ability to remain unflustered.
The player's composure during the penalty kick was admirable.
Poise
To carry or hold in equilibrium; balance
I poised the pencil on the edge of the table.
Composure
An unperturbed mental demeanor.
Her composure in handling criticisms impressed many.
Poise
To cause to be ready or about to do something
She is poised to win the nomination.
Composure
A calm or tranquil state of mind; self-possession.
Poise
To be balanced or held in suspension
She poised at the end of the diving board.
Composure
Calmness of mind or temperament
Poise
Confident composure; self-possession
Answered the reporters' questions with poise.
Composure
(obsolete) The act of composing
Poise
Bearing of the body, especially when graceful
A ballerina's poise.
Composure
(obsolete) Something which is composed; a composition.
Poise
A centimeter-gram-second unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter.
Composure
(obsolete) Orderly adjustment; disposition.
Poise
A state of balance, equilibrium or stability.
Composure
(obsolete) Frame; make; temperament.
Poise
Composure; freedom from embarrassment or affectation.
Composure
(obsolete) A combination; a union; a bond.
Poise
Mien; bearing or deportment of the head or body.
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.
Poise
A condition of hovering, or being suspended.
Composure
Orderly adjustment; disposition.
Various composures and combinations of these corpuscles.
Poise
(physics) A CGS unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimetre.
Composure
Frame; make; temperament.
His composure must be rare indeedWhom these things can not blemish.
Poise
(obsolete) Weight; an amount of weight, the amount something weighs.
Composure
A settled state; calmness; sedateness; tranquillity; repose.
When the passions . . . are all silent, the mind enjoys its most perfect composure.
Poise
The weight, or mass of metal, used in weighing, to balance the substance weighed.
Composure
A combination; a union; a bond.
Poise
That which causes a balance; a counterweight.
Composure
Steadiness of mind under stress;
He accepted their problems with composure and she with equanimity
Poise
(obsolete) To hang in equilibrium; to be balanced or suspended; hence, to be in suspense or doubt.
Poise
(obsolete) To counterpoise; to counterbalance.
Poise
(obsolete) To be of a given weight; to weigh.
Poise
(obsolete) To add weight to, to weigh down.
Poise
To hold (something) with or against something else in equilibrium; to balance, counterpose.
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
Poise
To keep (something) in equilibrium; to hold suspended or balanced.
The rock was poised precariously on the edge of the cliff.
Poise
To ascertain, as if by balancing; to weigh.
Poise
Weight; gravity; that which causes a body to descend; heaviness.
Poise
The weight, or mass of metal, used in weighing, to balance the substance weighed.
Poise
The state of being balanced by equal weight or power; equipoise; balance; equilibrium; rest.
Poise
That which causes a balance; a counterweight.
Men of unbounded imagination often want the poise of judgment.
Poise
A dignified and self-confident manner; graceful composure and tact in handling difficult social situations.
Poise
To balance; to make of equal weight; as, to poise the scales of a balance.
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.
Poise
To counterpoise; to counterbalance.
One scale of reason to poise another of sensuality.
To poise with solid sense a sprightly wit.
Poise
To ascertain, as by the balance; to weigh.
He can not sincerely consider the strength, poise the weight, and discern the evidence.
Poise
To weigh (down); to oppress.
Lest leaden slumber peise me down to-morrow.
Poise
To hang in equilibrium; to be balanced or suspended; hence, to be in suspense or doubt.
The slender, graceful sparsPoise aloft in air.
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
Poise
A state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium
Poise
Great coolness and composure under strain;
Keep your cool
Poise
Be motionless, in suspension;
The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked
Poise
Prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
Poise
Cause to be balanced or suspended
Poise
Hold or carry in equilibrium
Poise
Graceful and balanced conduct.
Her poise at the formal event was noticeable.
Poise
Elegance in manner and posture.
The dancer moved with incredible poise.
Common Curiosities
Is poise just about physical bearing?
No, while it often relates to physical bearing, poise also encompasses mental grace and confidence.
Can you be poised but not composed?
Rarely. Poise often requires an element of composure, but the reverse isn't always true.
Can someone have composure but lack poise?
Yes, one can be calm (composure) without necessarily displaying grace or elegance (poise).
Does poise relate to physical balance?
While it can refer to physical balance, poise more broadly relates to graceful control in various situations.
Can someone lose their composure but still regain it?
Absolutely. With mindfulness and self-control, one can regain composure.
Is composure always visible?
No, composure is a mental state and might not always manifest outwardly.
Which is more about emotional control, composure or poise?
Composure, as it specifically deals with emotional steadiness.
Is composure the same as indifference?
No, composure is about calmness under pressure, not a lack of care or interest.
Are there exercises to enhance poise?
Yes, activities like yoga, ballet, or public speaking can enhance poise.
Can poise be learned?
Yes, through practice and mindfulness, one can develop poise in demeanor and actions.
Are composure and poise always positive?
Generally, yes. Both are often seen as admirable qualities.
How can one improve their poise?
Practice, self-awareness, and learning from poised role models can help.
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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 writer 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.
