Definition of APLOMB

Choose the Right Synonym for aplomb

confidence, assurance, self-possession, aplomb mean a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment. confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance. the confidence that comes from long experience assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers. handled the cross-examination with complete assurance self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers. answered the insolent question with complete self-possession aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations. handled the reporters with great aplomb

Did You Know?

In the 19th century, English speakers borrowed aplomb, meaning "composure," from French. "Aplomb" can also mean "perpendicularity" in French and comes from the phrase a plomb, meaning "perpendicularly or literally "according to the plummet." A plummet is a lead weight that is attached to a line and used to determine vertical alignment. Not surprisingly, "aplomb" and English words like "plumber" and the verb "plumb" ("to measure depth" and "to explore critically and minutely") ultimately trace back to the Latin word for lead, "plumbum."

Examples of aplomb in a Sentence

In "The Most Famous Man in America," Applegate, a Ph.D. in American studies from Yale, tells this grand story with aplomb, intelligence and a sure feel for historical context. — Michael Kazin, New York Times Book Review, 16 July 2006 Stefan Soltesz conducts the excellent chorus and orchestra with aplomb, and television director Brian Large does his usual exemplary job. — Alan Wagner, Opera News, November 2001 During a script conference recounted in the New Yorker piece, Ley fielded a variety of questions with striking aplomb that sometimes verged on arrogance. — Frank Kuznik, Air & Space, April/May 1995 He showed great aplomb in dealing with the reporters. you've handled a difficult situation with perfect aplomb

Recent Examples on the Web

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's first royal tour started with aplomb this week, with the announcement that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting their first baby together in the Spring of 2019. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Wants Prince Harry to Stand Under Her Umbrella," 17 Oct. 2018 The Oreck produces plenty of steam and handled most of the stains in our test with aplomb, removing stuck-on orange juice, soda, oil, and dirt from ceramic and vinyl tiles without any trouble. — The Good Housekeeping Institute, Good Housekeeping, "Oreck Steam-It Multi Purpose Steam Wand," 9 May 2012 Drawing on Monsieur Dior’s signatures, Simons riffs on the femme fleur and Bar jacket with aplomb. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "A Brief History of Raf Simons’s Storied Career in Fashion," 22 Dec. 2018 Rare, however, is the talent that does all with equal aplomb. — Mike Scott, NOLA.com, "Yes, he did, did: The man who became New Orleans' 'one-man Motown'," 4 May 2018 Wearing these styles with aplomb is like executing the triple axel of fashion: high level of difficulty, significant risk of failure, tremendous bragging rights if accomplished. — Robin Givhan, The Seattle Times, "Are designers trolling us with ‘ugly’ fashion — or is it us?," 6 Aug. 2018 Inside Francesco’s two-story house, whimsy and taste balance each other with aplomb. — Maria Shollenbarger, ELLE Decor, "An Italian Design Firm Transforms Discreet-but-Luxe Kitchens with a Timeless Florentine Aesthetic," 18 Oct. 2018 But her first year in the royal spotlight proves Meghan will handle every new change with aplomb. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "How Meghan Markle's Life Has Changed in the Past Year," 25 Sep. 2018 The Willard felt secure and not shaky as the footing got loose and handled the big rocks that showed up later with aplomb. — Andrew Moseman, Popular Mechanics, "PM Approved: The Raleigh Willard 4 Gravel Bike," 21 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aplomb.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.