aplomb

American  

[uh-plom, uh-pluhm] / əˈplɒm, əˈplʌm /

noun

1. imperturbable self-possession, poise, or assurance.

   Synonyms:

   imperturbability, equanimity, composure

   Antonyms:

   uncertainty, doubt, discomposure, confusion

2. the perpendicular, or vertical, position.

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aplomb British  

/ əˈplɒm /

noun

1. equanimity, self-confidence, or self-possession

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Etymology

Origin of aplomb

First recorded in 1820–30; from French à plomb “according to the plummet” (straight up and down, vertical position); cf. plumb ( def. )

Explanation

Aplomb is the ultimate test for cool: grace under pressure. Use aplomb to show great restraint under even the most trying circumstances. In retail, it's always a good idea to handle the angry customers with aplomb. Angry at the long lines at the grocery store? Irritated because the driver ahead cut you off? Take a deep breath, and approach life's messes with aplomb. When you think of aplomb, think cool, calm and collected. Not frazzled, furious, and fiery. Aplomb comes from the French word meaning "perpendicularity," from the phrase à plomb for "poised upright, balanced."

Example Sentences

Aplomb /əˈpləm/ noun: self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation.

From Time • Jul. 27, 2015

Playing Dead, With Aplomb In any production of “Romeo and Juliet” there is a lot of playing dead.

From New York Times • Jun. 11, 2013

Aplomb took her from teaching school to learning law, from an assistant prosecutor's job to a prominent position in Congress.

From Time Magazine Archive

With only one little Strand of Wire or perchance a Steering Knuckle standing between her and a lot of Insurance Money, she retained both her Aplomb and the Lorgnette.

From Knocking the Neighbors by Ade, George

Aplomb, a-plom′, n. the perpendicular, perpendicularity: self-possession, coolness.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Related Words

• equanimity
• nonchalance
• tact