pose

verb

OPAL W

/pəʊz/

Verb Forms

present simple I / you / we / they pose	/pəʊz/ /pəʊz/
he / she / it poses	/ˈpəʊzɪz/ /ˈpəʊzɪz/
past simple posed	/pəʊzd/ /pəʊzd/
past participle posed	/pəʊzd/ /pəʊzd/
-ing form posing	/ˈpəʊzɪŋ/ /ˈpəʊzɪŋ/

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[transitive] pose something to create a threat, problem, etc. that has to be dealt with
- to pose a threat/risk/challenge/danger
- the threat posed by terrorism
- Obesity poses real risks to health and happiness.
- The task poses no special problems.
- to pose a hazard/obstacle/barrier
Extra Examples
- Pollutants in the river pose a real risk to the fish.
- the dangers posed by the possession of nuclear weapons
- the environmental threat posed by oil spillages
[transitive] pose a question (formal) to ask a question, especially one that needs serious thought
- The new play poses some challenging questions.
[intransitive] pose (for somebody/something) to sit or stand in a particular position in order to be painted, drawn or photographed
- The delegates posed for a group photograph.
- They posed briefly for pictures before driving off.
- She was only too delighted to pose for the cameras.
- He was persuaded to pose for his portrait.
Topics Artc1
[intransitive] pose as somebody to pretend to be somebody in order to trick other people
- The gang entered the building posing as workmen.
[intransitive] (usually used in the progressive tenses) (disapproving) to dress or behave in a way that is intended to impress other people
- I saw him out posing in his new sports car.

Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French poser (verb), from late Latin pausare ‘to pause’, which replaced Latin ponere ‘to place’. The noun dates from the early 19th cent.

pose

noun

/pəʊz/

Idioms

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a particular position in which somebody stands, sits, etc., especially in order to be painted, drawn or photographed
- He adopted a relaxed pose for the camera.
Extra Examples
- He struck a heroic pose, and cried, ‘I will do it!’
- I can't hold this pose much longer!
Topics Artc1
(disapproving) a way of behaving that is not sincere and is intended to impress or trick people synonym affectation
- This show of concern is just a pose.
Extra Examples
- His air of absent-mindedness was no more than a pose concealing a very acute mind.
- His pose as an impoverished artist fooled several wealthy patrons.

Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French poser (verb), from late Latin pausare ‘to pause’, which replaced Latin ponere ‘to place’. The noun dates from the early 19th cent.

Idioms

strike a pose/an attitude

to hold your body in a particular way to create a particular impression
- to strike a dramatic pose
- (figurative) He strikes an attitude of bravery and lonely defiance.