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

“There was something that was arguably more terrifying in having the composure enough to be able to let whomever else is there make wrong choices,” Bower said.

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His versatility and composure are an asset, but at the moment the transfer fee looks excessive.

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In Ushikubo they found, as Pederzoli puts it, “not only an extraordinary musician, but someone with extraordinary character. He has the composure of a musician well beyond his years.”

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The crowd chanted Cobolli's name as he kept his composure to serve out his comeback victory to love, having forced the breakthrough in the 11th game of a tense deciding set.

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While Farrell was buoyed by his team's second-half efforts, he bemoaned "stupid errors" and admitted Ireland lost their composure in the face of a dominant South African scrum.

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Related Words

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