English · Word Candidate

stance

/stæns/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: stances · stancing · stanced

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The manner, pose, or posture in which one stands.

Noun

Examples

The fencer’s stance showed he was ready to begin.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

One's opinion or point of view.

Noun

Examples

I don’t agree with your stance on gun control.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To place, to position, to station; (specifically) to put (cattle) into an enclosure or pen in preparation for sale.

Verb

Examples

Rob Roy ſtood watch / On a hill for to catch / The booty for ought that I ſa', man, / For he ne'er advanced, / From the place he was ſtanc'd, / 'Till no more to do there at a' man, […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “stance” mean?

The manner, pose, or posture in which one stands.

Is “stance” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.