aplomb

[ uh-plom, uh-pluhm ]

noun

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

   Synonyms: imperturbability, equanimity, composure

   Antonyms: uncertainty, doubt, discomposure, confusion

2. the perpendicular, or vertical, position.

aplomb

/ əˈplɒm /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aplomb¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aplomb¹

C18: from French: rectitude, uprightness, from à plomb according to the plumb line, vertically

Example Sentences

Discretion is that panel’s ultimate skill, and Walorski wielded it with aplomb.

From Time

One voice can gum up the entire political reality in Washington, and those voices know how to find the microphones with aplomb.

From Time

Transients are sharp, and attack and decay are handled with aplomb, it’s just more tightly focused unless you’re at a closer proximity.

From Popular-Science

These skis are adept at floating on storm days and smearing turns in the trees or on steeps, but thanks to years of refinement, they also rip turns on hardpack with enough aplomb for daily resort skiing out west.

From Outside Online

No transients are lost, attack and decay are handled with aplomb, it’s just more tightly focused unless you’re at a closer proximity.

From Popular-Science

Resolving moral dilemmas is her daily work, and she does it with clarity and aplomb.

From The Daily Beast

It was a dizzying time, and Shaquille handled an array of new situations with conspicuous aplomb.

From The Daily Beast

The cutting-edge forensic work that it took to bring them into custody from abroad is retold with great aplomb by Levington.

From The Daily Beast

Meanwhile, during the past several years in Champagne, the “Grower” movement has gained momentum and aplomb.

From The Daily Beast

Such boldfaced aplomb would be deployed time and time again in dealing with the Nazis.

From The Daily Beast

"No," she exclaimed with dainty aplomb to the man who sat cross-legged in muslin draperies on the table.

From Project Gutenberg

I had behaved with unusual sedateness, had showed an aplomb I had never before evidenced.

From Project Gutenberg

Winona, with surprising aplomb, bore the scrutiny of the family while she pulled long white gloves along her bare arms.

From Project Gutenberg

Chattie jumped up on the windowsill, with her usual stealthy aplomb, and rubbed herself against the girl's face.

From Project Gutenberg

Suddenly, and for the first time in all her knowledge of him, his cynical aplomb had fallen from the man like a garment.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• equanimity
• nonchalance
• tact