self-possessed

[self-puh-zest, self-]

adjective

1. having or showing control of one's feelings, behavior, etc.; composed; poised.

   Synonyms: sedate, cool, serene, collected, calm

self-possessed

adjective

1. having control of one's emotions, etc

Other Word Forms

• self-possessedly adverb
• unself-possessed adjective
• self-possession noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-possessed¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

The usually self-possessed Edward Ashton was muttering and half mad after his failed tour of Switzerland.

Read more on Literature

It’s impossible to know if Smith was really this self-possessed and ruminative as a child or if nostalgia has altered her perspective.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He unabashedly leans into that vibe here, even while wrangling his pair of self-possessed cats.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

According to this account, Camilla was "self-possessed enough when they arrived at Paddington to jump off the train, find a guy in uniform and say 'That man just attacked me,' and he was arrested".

Read more on BBC

"Mark is far more self-possessed and septical, possibly, of this company," says the 51-year-old, who played manager Ben Wyatt in comedy Parks and Recreation.

Read more on BBC