stance

stance — noun

1. a particular way of thinking or feeling about an issue, which you express openly

1.nounB2
Definition

a particular way of thinking or feeling about an issue, which you express openly as your opinion

Example

The senator took a firm stance against the proposed tax increase.

take + stance + against + [issue]

Amira's stance on environmental protection has made her a well-known figure in the movement.

stance on + [topic]

Common collocations
  • take a stance
  • adopt a stance
  • maintain a stance
  • firm stance
  • strong stance
  • clear stance
  • stance on
  • stance against
  • stance regarding
Synonyms
  • position

    very similar in meaning; slightly more neutral in tone

  • attitude

    broader in scope, can include emotional quality and behaviour beyond public statements

  • standpoint

    emphasises the perspective or point of view more than the expressed opinion

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

stance + on + [topic]

stance + against + [issue]

Usage Note

Often used with the verbs take, adopt, maintain, or express. The preposition on introduces the topic; against shows opposition.

Common Mistakes

The government announced its new stance for education.
The government announced its new stance on education.
Use 'on' not 'for' when stating the topic of a stance.

2. the way someone positions their feet and body while standing, especially in spor

2.nounB2
Definition

the way someone positions their feet and body while standing, especially in sports, dance, or physical activities

Example

The yoga teacher showed the class how to find a stable stance in tree pose.

adjective + stance describing stability

Amihan widened her stance and bent her knees before lifting the heavy box.

Common collocations
  • wide stance
  • narrow stance
  • stable stance
  • balanced stance
  • relaxed stance
  • adjust one's stance
  • widen one's stance
  • change stance
  • fighting stance
  • batting stance
Synonyms
  • posture

    more general term that includes sitting and lying positions as well as standing

  • position

    more general; can refer to any arrangement of the body

  • pose

    emphasises a deliberate or held positioning, often for a photograph

Grammar Patterns

adjective + stance

adjust/widen + stance

Usage Note

Common in sports, martial arts, yoga, and dance contexts. Can also describe everyday standing habits, especially related to balance or posture.

Common Mistakes

She has good stance when playing golf.
She has a good stance when playing golf.
Stance is a countable noun and requires an article or determiner.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Stance, position, attitude, and standpoint all refer to a person's outlook on an issue, but they differ in emphasis. Stance stresses a publicly declared opinion, often on a controversial topic, and implies a degree of firmness. Position is the most neutral and widely used term — it simply states where someone stands without suggesting emotional involvement. Attitude is broader and more personal, covering feelings and behaviour beyond just verbal opinion; it often carries a positive or negative emotional colour. Standpoint emphasises the perspective from which someone views an issue, shaped by their background or circumstances. For example: 'Her stance on immigration was clear in the debate' (publicly declared). 'His position on the policy has not changed' (neutral statement). 'She has a positive attitude toward the new rules' (personal feeling). 'From a legal standpoint, the contract is valid' (perspective-driven).

position ↗attitude ↗standpoint

Common collocations

Adverbs

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinItalianFrenchEnglish

The word 'stance' entered English from French 'stance' meaning 'a standing place', which came from Italian 'stanza' (room, standing place). Both trace back to Latin 'stantia' from 'stare' (to stand). The original meaning of 'a place to stand' shifted to 'the way one stands' by the 18th century, and the figurative sense of 'intellectual position' developed in the 20th century.