Definition
To put something down somewhere, or to ask a question.
Example
Elle pose son sac sur la table avant de s'asseoir.
Show translation
She puts her bag on the table before sitting down.
Etymology
From Latin *pausare* ("to stop, to rest"), which shifted in Old French to mean setting something down. The meaning "to ask (a question)" — *poser une question* — developed in French by extension of "placing" a topic before someone.
Cultural note
*Poser une question* is the standard French way to say "to ask a question" — learners often mistakenly reach for *demander une question* (a direct calque from English), which is incorrect. Remember: you *posez* a question in French, you don't *demandez* one.