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

Both can run and pass the ball with equal aplomb and are leaders for their respective teams.

From Los Angeles Times

Griffin mines the polarity between her envelope-pushing persona and the buttoned-up glamour of A-List celebrity with aplomb to reveal that even the biggest stars are as absurd as the rest of us.

From Salon

We treat his lunacy as normalcy and criticize Harris for her indiscretions with equal aplomb.

From Salon

When Norman is given a gun, Feldman expresses his discomfort and empowerment with aplomb.

From Salon

She does just that — and pulls it off with aplomb.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• equanimity
• nonchalance
• tact