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View synonyms for phlegmatic

phlegmatic

[ fleg-mat-ik ]

adjective

  1. not easily excited to action or display of emotion; apathetic; sluggish.

    Synonyms: torpid, dull, uninterested, cold, cool, stoical

  2. self-possessed, calm, or composed.

    Synonyms: quiet, placid, unruffled, collected, cool

  3. of the nature of or abounding in the humor phlegm.


phlegmatic

/ flɛɡˈmætɪk /

adjective

  1. having a stolid or unemotional disposition
  2. not easily excited


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Derived Forms

  • phlegˈmaticalness, noun
  • phlegˈmatically, adverb

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Other Words From

  • phleg·mat·i·cal·ly adverb
  • phleg·mat·i·cal·ness phleg·mat·ic·ness noun
  • un·phleg·mat·ic adjective
  • un·phleg·mat·i·cal adjective
  • un·phleg·mat·i·cal·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of phlegmatic1

1300–50; < Late Latin phlegmaticus < Greek phlegmatikós pertaining to phlegm, equivalent to phlegmat- (stem of phlégma phlegm ) + -ikos -ic; replacing Middle English fleumatik < Middle French fleumatique < Late Latin, as above

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Example Sentences

Such were the emotions he triggered among this city's usually phlegmatic residents.

Phlegmatic though he might have been, Levine had a wonderfully dry, self-deprecating sense of humor.

An upright, phlegmatic man who finally led the contemplative life of one of the ancient hermits.

If one remains silent and controlled, then one is "phlegmatic," "cool-blooded," "unpatriotic."

But a deafening peal of thunder cut short the sentence of the phlegmatic prince lecturing the royal spouse.

Though giants are often phlegmatic, his big frame embedded highly-strung nerves.

The marvellous exhibition of endurance aroused the phlegmatic Turk to real enthusiasm.

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phlegmphlegmy