aplomb
Americannoun
-
imperturbable self-possession, poise, or assurance.
- Synonyms:
- imperturbability, equanimity, composure
- Antonyms:
- uncertainty, doubt, discomposure, confusion
-
the perpendicular, or vertical, position.
noun
Etymology
Origin of aplomb
First recorded in 1820–30; from French à plomb “according to the plummet” (straight up and down, vertical position); plumb ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s a powerful story, to say the least, and Neville handles it in “Man on the Run” with great aplomb.
From Salon
Duane was not completely sure what any of that meant, but he did know that if there were to be sorbets, tarts, and aplomb to eat, it would have to wait for three more days.
From Literature
The second half was a scrappy affair until Lynagh's late yellow-card for a deliberate knock-on opened the door for France to finish with aplomb with two tries in the last 10 minutes.
From Barron's
The 25-year-old put the hosts ahead in the 30th minute with his third goal in his last five league games, bursting in behind the defence and holding his nerve to finish with aplomb.
From Barron's
The film demanded a full range of character work from Fanning, who met the challenge with her typical aplomb.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
