composure

[kuhm-poh-zher]

noun

1. serene, self-controlled state of mind; calmness; tranquility.

   Despite the hysteria and panic around him, he retained his composure.

   Synonyms: self-possession, equanimity, coolness, quiet, serenity, equability
   Antonyms: agitation

composure

/ kəmˈpəʊʒə /

noun

1. calmness, esp of the mind; tranquillity; serenity

Other Word Forms

• noncomposure noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of composure¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; compose + -ure

Example Sentences

Spain's moral code still confuses composure with virtue.

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"To have that composure in the last minute of a derby is incredible. That's why we love football."

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"They created a lot of good chances and maybe if they had better composure in their final third to execute, they would have come out on top."

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They put their neighbours under serious pressure at times but in the end last season's quadruple winners had the composure to book their place at Old Trafford.

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The former hostage's composure slips as he remembers the first phone call he made as a free man to his wife's parents in Wales, to share his grief.

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Related Words

• aplomb 
• dignity 
• equanimity 
• equilibrium 
• fortitude 
• poise 
• self-assurance 
• self-control 
• serenity 
• sobriety