What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poised
Example
She remained poised and collected during the interview. [poised: adjective]
Example
The gymnast was poised to perform her routine flawlessly. [poised: verb]
composed
Example
Despite the chaos around her, she remained composed and focused. [composed: adjective]
Example
He composed himself before delivering his speech. [composed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Composed is more commonly used than poised in everyday language. Composed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while poised is less common and refers to a specific type of calmness and readiness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between poised and composed?
Both poised and composed can be used in formal or informal contexts, but composed is more commonly used in formal writing or speech due to its Latin origin and neutral connotation.
