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aplomb

aplomb

8 8.2
Confidence and calm when you are under pressure
  • noun
  • /əˈplɑm/
translation icon : aplomo
  • She approached the difficult task with aplomb, demonstrating calmness and confidence under pressure.
  • with great aplomb

Paul Pelosi really handled it with aplomb.

Examples

  • "It's all settled, then," he said, turning away with the aplomb of a king who has just completed an audience.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Adam, Miss Sweet, and Heather complete their dance with great aplomb.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • You might see a captain of business handling with aplomb the challenges of their work.

  • You must learn to accept success with more aplomb.

  • You handled yourself with aplomb.

  • "You wouldn't have heard from him by chance, would you?" The question was stated with casual aplomb.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • I think I can say that I made the transition from opera singer to old fart with aplomb.

  • "I'm certain I can manage to put something together, sir," Humphrey said, with every appearance of aplomb.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • I was impressed by the aplomb with which they behaved, "for the child's sake."

    Fiction book (1996)
  • Carol acts, sings, and dances with utter agility, diversity, and aplomb in every aspect.

    Blog text (10)

Synonyms

composure
vsaplomb
38 5.1

Calm control of your feelings and actions in a difficult situation

adds a sense of self-confidence during pressure
poise
vsaplomb
37 5.5

A calm, confident, and steady way of holding yourself

stresses steady self-confidence in demanding situations
assurance
vsaplomb
33 3.3

A feeling of confidence in your own abilities

adds calm composure under pressure to that inner certainty
cool
vsaplomb
18 5.0

Calm and control of feelings in difficult situations

adds visible self-confidence rather than just calm control
stiff upper lip
vsaplomb
9 7.7

Ability to stay calm and not show feelings in hard times

expresses outward calm plus clear self-confidence and assurance under stress
assuredness
vsaplomb
1 6.1

A feeling of confidence and calm in difficult situations

is more about calm effectiveness under pressure
self-possession
vsaplomb
1 6.7

A calm, confident control of your feelings and actions in difficult situations

places more weight on inner confidence under pressure
sang-froid
vsaplomb
  • Formal
1 9.9

Calm and steady behavior when things are difficult or dangerous

includes a clearer sense of self-confidence rather than only cold calm
unflappability
vsaplomb
1 7.9

Staying calm and composed in difficult or stressful situations

adds self-assured confidence when acting under demanding situations
imperturbability
vsaplomb
1 9.0

Ability to stay calm and not show worry under pressure

adds confident assurance and ease while under pressure
collectedness
vsaplomb
6.5

A calm and steady way of behaving in difficult situations

emphasizes confident action as well as calm under pressure
9.9

A calm, steady state during difficult situations

highlights inner confidence and assured composure under pressure
6.3

A calm, steady way to behave when things are difficult

shows deeper self-confidence behind that outward calm
8.1

Calm, polite, graceful behavior when people watch or question you

stresses confident assurance rather than just stylish elegance

Antonyms

93 3.7

A feeling of not being sure about yourself or what you can do

36 2.7

A feeling of being worried or anxious

How Composed

aplomb
8 8.2
composure
38 5.1
calm
735 1.0
unease
19 4.4
anxiety
423 3.5
to panic
272 2.3

Surface Forms

aplomb singular
aplombs plural

Etymology

Aplomb comes from the French phrase à plomb, which means 'with lead' and refers to a heavy weight called plomb used on a plumb line to make a straight, 'upright' line. So, to have aplomb is to be steady and calm like that upright line, showing confidence under pressure.