Stance
noun
Definition
1. An opinion or attitude about something, especially one stated publicly.
2. The way a person stands or positions their body, especially in sports.
2. The way a person stands or positions their body, especially in sports.
Context Alive
The meeting got heated when one manager challenged the new policy. Everyone waited to hear the director’s stance on the issue. She calmly explained her position, and the room finally settled down.
Meanings
2 meanings 1 An Opinion or Attitude (Noun) Very Common ▼
This meaning is about where you stand on an issue — your position or opinion. Imagine a politician giving a speech, and a reporter asks about their stance on education reform, wanting to know exactly what they believe and plan to do. This is a stance — a clear, stated opinion. You might hear “what’s your stance on this?” in a debate, or someone could say “the company took a tough stance against discrimination.” Or picture a family dinner where your uncle shares his stance on a controversial topic, and suddenly everyone has something to say. The word suggests a firm, deliberate position — not a casual thought. ✏️ Unlike “opinion,” stance usually implies something you’re willing to defend publicly, not just a passing thought.
Vivid ExampleThe new principal called a staff meeting to discuss phone use in classrooms. She made her stance very clear from the start. No phones during lessons, no exceptions, and every teacher was expected to enforce it.
2 The Way You Stand Physically (Noun) Common ▼
This meaning is about how your body is positioned when you’re standing, especially in sports or physical activities. Imagine a boxing coach watching a beginner and saying “fix your stance” — feet too close together, weight in the wrong place. This is stance as a physical position. You might hear “widen your stance for better balance” in a golf lesson, or a martial arts instructor could correct a student’s fighting stance. Or think about a baseball player crouching slightly at the plate, adjusting their stance before the pitch comes. The word carries a sense of deliberate positioning — not just standing randomly. ✏️ A good stance is the foundation of almost every sport — it affects your balance, power, and ability to move quickly.
Vivid ExampleThe yoga teacher walked around the room checking everyone’s form. She gently adjusted my stance so my feet were hip-width apart. Immediately, I felt more balanced and grounded than before.
Examples from the Street
“The company finally took a public stance on climate change.”
They officially announced their position on the issue after staying silent
“I respect her opinion, but I disagree with her stance on this.”
I value what she thinks, but I don’t share her position on the matter
“He widened his stance and prepared to swing the bat.”
He spread his feet further apart and got into position to hit
Common Patterns
take a stance (on something) → publicly state your position on an issue
adopt/maintain a stance → begin holding or continue holding a particular position
a firm/strong/tough stance (on/against) → a clear, uncompromising position
change/shift one’s stance → move to a different opinion or position
soften/harden one’s stance → become more flexible or more rigid in your position
a political/public/official stance → a position that is openly stated, especially by organisations or governments
a wide/narrow stance → feet placed far apart or close together
a batting/fighting/defensive stance → a specific body position used in sports or combat
adopt/take a stance → position your body in a particular way
adjust/widen/lower one’s stance → change your physical positioning
Collocations
4 collocationstake a stance
publicly declare your position on an issue
firm stance
a strong and unwavering position
political stance
a declared position on a political issue
change your stance
shift your declared position
Example Sentences
12 examples
1
The government has taken a tough stance against illegal logging in protected areas
The authorities have adopted a hard, uncompromising position opposing unlawful tree-cutting in conservation zones.
2
After the scandal, the CEO was forced to change his stance on workplace transparency
Following the controversy, the head of the company had to shift his position regarding openness in the office.
3
She took a firm stance on equal pay and refused to back down during negotiations
She held a strong, unwavering position about fair wages and wouldn’t give in during the talks.
4
The party has gradually softened its stance on immigration over the past decade
The political group has slowly become more flexible in its position regarding people moving to the country over the last ten years.
5
His boxing coach told him to widen his stance for better balance
His trainer instructed him to spread his feet further apart so he wouldn’t fall over as easily.
6
Several countries have adopted a similar stance on regulating artificial intelligence
Multiple nations have taken a comparable position when it comes to controlling AI technology.
7
The union decided to maintain its stance despite pressure from management to compromise
The workers’ organisation chose to keep holding its position even though the bosses were pushing them to give in.
8
The batter stepped up to the plate and settled into her batting stance
The player approached the hitting area and positioned her body the way she always does before swinging.
9
The newspaper’s political stance is well known — they’ve always leaned conservative
The publication’s ideological position is no secret — they’ve consistently favoured right-of-centre views.
10
After listening to both sides, the judge hardened her stance and ruled against the defendant
After hearing all the arguments, the judge became even firmer in her position and decided the accused was in the wrong.
Learner Examples
★
A good English teacher should take a clear stance on the importance of speaking practice — not just focus on grammar and exams
An effective language instructor should hold a firm position about the value of oral exercises — not only concentrate on rules and tests.
★
Students who adopt a positive stance toward making mistakes tend to improve their fluency much faster
Learners who take an encouraging attitude about getting things wrong usually develop their natural speaking ability more quickly.
Phrasal Verbs & Idioms
4 items
Phrasal Verbsstand for — represent a particular position
Our organization stands for equality and fair treatment for all.
stand by — maintain a stated position
She stood by her decision despite all the criticism she received.
Idioms & Expressionstake a stand — declare a firm position publicly
It's time to take a stand and fight for what's right.
where one stands — one's opinion on a matter
I need to know where you stand on this issue before we proceed.
Synonyms & Antonyms
4 items
Synonymsposition
opinion or viewpoint
standpoint
perspective
attitude
way of thinking
posture
physical or figurative pose