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.

---

aplomb British  

/ əˈplɒm /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of aplomb

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

Example Sentences

After successfully badgering his dad to take him to a local club to play on full-size tables at the age of eight, the young Hunter made the leap from table top snooker with aplomb.

From BBC

After he joined Sanders as director of research, however, he felt less pressure and regained his aplomb.

From The Wall Street Journal

The ninth time Eisman retrieved a ball from some sand trap, or pretended his shot had not splashed into the water, he acted with the same unapologetic aplomb he had demonstrated the first time.

From Literature

If you can condition yourself to embrace that fact, you can profit from calamity and good fortune with equal aplomb.

From Barron's

The city that Tom Bradley has led with impassive aplomb for 17 years is frayed at the edges, with aging sewers and inadequate housing stock.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• equanimity
• nonchalance
• tact