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pose¹

(pōz)

v. posed, pos·ing, pos·es

v.tr.

1. To set forth in words for consideration; propound: pose a question. See Synonyms at propose.

2. To present or constitute: a crisis that posed a threat to the country's stability.

3. To place (a model, for example) in a specific position.

v.intr.

1. To assume or hold a particular position or posture, as in sitting for a portrait.

2. To represent oneself falsely; pretend to be other than what one is: conmen posing as police officers.

a. A bodily attitude or position, such as one assumed for an artist or a photographer. See Synonyms at posture.

b. In yoga, an asana.

2. A studied or artificial manner or attitude, often assumed in an attempt to impress or deceive others. See Synonyms at affectation.

[Middle English posen, to place, from Old French poser, from Vulgar Latin *pausāre, from Late Latin pausāre, to rest, from Latin pausa, pause; see PAUSE.]

posa·ble adj.

pose²

(pōz)

tr.v. posed, pos·ing, pos·es
Archaic

To puzzle, confuse, or baffle.

[Short for appose, to examine closely (from Middle English apposen, alteration of opposen; see OPPOSE) and from French poser, to assume (obsolete) (from Old French; see POSE¹).]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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