self-possessed

American  

[self-puh-zest, self-] / ˈsɛlf pəˈzɛst, ˌsɛlf- /

adjective

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

   Synonyms:

   sedate, cool, serene, collected, calm

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self-possessed British  

adjective

1. having control of one's emotions, etc

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of self-possessed

First recorded in 1760–70

Explanation

If you're self-possessed, you always seem to be calm and confident. It's easier to be successful as a substitute teacher if you're self-possessed than if you're nervous and uncertain. Someone who's particularly poised can be described as self-possessed. It's a hard quality to fake, but a worthwhile one to aspire to; other people tend to take you more seriously if you're self-possessed. The adjective self-possessed and noun self-possession first appeared in English around 1740, with the sense of "(in) command of one's emotions."

Example Sentences

An even more welcome addition to our already bulging shelves is the belated arrival of a largely complete studio discography of Britain’s greatest conductor, and certainly its most self-possessed: the musical grandee Sir Thomas Beecham.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

Since the first Star Wars film was released in 1977, the Jedi have sought to embody the ideal of self-possessed, morally immaculate Force-users committed to upholding peace in the galaxy.

From Salon • Jul. 22, 2024

Fisher is the socially awkward but self-possessed Skye, who gets caught in the middle of the family drama.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2023

"Janelle Monáe sounds more self-possessed and confident than ever," wrote Slate magazine's Charles Lyons-Burt.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2023

One moment you are feeling calm, self-possessed, happy.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel