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sang-froid

sang-froid

1 9.9
Calm and steady behavior when things are difficult or dangerous
  • noun
  • /sɑːŋ frwɑː/
  • Formal
translation icon : sangre fría
  • Even in high-pressure situations, you can always count on her sang-froid to see us through.

Examples

  • I admire your sang-froid, Mr. Peterson.

  • His sang-froid during the emergency impressed everyone in the room.

  • You want us to be impressed by your sang-froid.

    Blog text (31)
  • I think it would show considerable sang-froid to take out a pen while a dog is clamped to your arm.

  • Someone must have thrown them something desirable, shattering their sang-froid.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Clemens eyes Andrews across the table, pure sang-froid.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Denise fired back with an enviable sang-froid and picked off two of the attackers: one of them died in the driver's seat; the other got a bullet in his lung.

    Blog text (3)
  • And you just dash this stuff off with one hand while doing how many other things, and all the time retaining your sang-froid, not to mention a heapin' helpin' of savior fare, too?

    Blog text (31)
  • On this particular morning, having ushered out the Willises hand in hand, nuzzling one another like newlyweds, she reentered his office with her accustomed sang-froid.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Despite the chaos around her, she maintained her sang-froid and completed the task without any mistakes.

Synonyms

poise
vssang-froid
37 5.5

A calm, confident, and steady way of holding yourself

is narrower, stressing calm in danger rather than balanced manner
cool
vssang-froid
18 5.0

Calm and control of feelings in difficult situations

is more about steady composure rather than added confidence
aplomb
vssang-froid
8 8.2

Confidence and calm when you are under pressure

emphasizes calmness over self-assurance in dangerous cases
assuredness
vssang-froid
1 6.1

A feeling of confidence and calm in difficult situations

leans more toward calm steadiness without focusing on confidence
unflappability
vssang-froid
1 7.9

Staying calm and composed in difficult or stressful situations

is the same idea but used for danger as well as trouble
imperturbableness
vssang-froid
9.9

A calm, steady state during difficult situations

is similar but stresses composure even in dangerous moments
collectedness
vssang-froid
6.5

A calm and steady way of behaving in difficult situations

focuses more on composed steadiness in dangerous situations
unruffled demeanor
vssang-froid
6.3

A calm, steady way to behave when things are difficult

describes inner calm used especially when danger appears

Antonyms

272 2.3

To feel sudden fear and lose the ability to think or act calmly

12 5.1

A feeling of nervous worry and restlessness

How Calm

sang-froid
  • Formal
1 9.9
composure
38 5.1
poise
37 5.5
calmness
9 2.7

Surface Forms

sang-froid singular
sang-froids plural

Etymology

The word sang-froid comes from the French words sang 'blood' and froid 'cold'. Think of 'cold blood'—someone who stays calm and not nervous in danger, which is why sang-froid means calmness and composure in difficult situations.