verb

poser

put · ask

Mettre quelque chose à un endroit ou demander une question à quelqu’un.

Definition & meaning

The verb poser is a versatile French word with several distinct meanings depending on the context:

To place or set down: This is the most common physical meaning, referring to putting an object onto a surface. For example, setting a glass on a table.
To ask: In the specific context of inquiries, it is used to mean "to ask a question" (poser une question).
To install or lay: It is used in construction or home improvement to describe laying floors, installing windows, or putting up wallpaper.
To pose: It refers to a person staying still for a photographer, sculptor, or painter.
To land: When used in the reflexive form se poser[?](vocabuo://word/se poser), it describes an aircraft, bird, or insect landing on a surface. It can also figuratively mean to settle down or to ask oneself a question.
To state or assert: In a more abstract sense, it can mean to state a principle or to set out the terms of a problem.

Grammar & Word origin

Poser is a regular verb of the first conjugation group, ending in -er. This means it follows the standard pattern for verbs like parler or aimer.

The word originates from the Late Latin pausare, which meant to halt or to rest. Over time, in the transition to Old French, this word largely replaced the Classical Latin verb ponere (to put/place) in everyday usage. This is why many English words related to "putting" come from the same root, such as "position" or "deposit."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

mettre (to put/place)
placer (to place)
déposer (to set down/deposit)
installer (to install)
demander (to ask, though usually "poser une question" is preferred over "demander une question")