stance

Everyday

1. A stance is the way someone stands, especially how they place their feet and body, like a batting stance. tree →
2. A stance is someone's opinion or attitude about something, the side they take. tree →

In the lessons

In PE and sports, coaches teach a good stance for batting, boxing or catching: feet apart, knees bent. In debates and persuasive writing, pupils state their stance on a topic and give reasons. Phrases: «take a stance», «a strong stance», «stance on».

Examples

• Keep a wide stance so you don't lose your balance. tree →
• The batter took her stance at the plate. tree →
• What is your stance on school uniforms? tree →
• The goalkeeper got into a ready stance. tree →
• The school takes a firm stance against bullying. tree →
• In your essay, state your stance in the first paragraph. tree →
• The cat's stance showed it was ready to pounce. tree →

Note

Countable noun: «a stance, stances». It is a formal word for «position» or «view». Do not confuse with «stanza» (a verse of a poem) or «distance».