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

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa showed aplomb, especially when saving a dangerous cross looking for Jorgensen and a one-on-one chance by Thomas Delaney. — Afp, chicagotribune.com, "Denmark upend Mexico before heading to World Cup," 9 June 2018 Steel Vengeance flies through its massive wood structure with aplomb, twisting and turning in and out of it for a dizzying, disorienting ride. — Arthur Levine, USA TODAY, "Cedar Point: New Steel Vengeance coaster smooths out a Mean Streak," 4 May 2018 For an on-point example, look to Margot Robbie, who individualized a new romantic moment with characteristic aplomb. — Calin Van Paris, Vogue, "Margot Robbie Rules the Red Carpet With This Romantic Hair Trend," 12 Jan. 2018 Wet Bus traveled faster, its tight cast pouncing on recurring jokes and characters with aplomb. — Steve Heisler, Chicago Reader, "The two improv teams in Oh Hell Yeah demonstrate that timing is everything," 22 June 2018 Never mind the dense fog — shades of a John Carpenter movie — that blanketed Pimlico Race Course; Collmus cut through the mist with aplomb to keep viewers and horsemen apprised of the action. — Mike Klingaman, baltimoresun.com, "Triple Crown race-caller Larry Collmus, of Howard County, doesn't let the weather get in his way," 4 June 2018 Çalhanoğlu twisted and turned on the far right side of the penalty area, before whipping a ball across of the face of goal, which the Italian buried with aplomb. — SI.com, "AC Milan 5-1 Fiorentina: Red Hot Rossoneri Fightback to Book Place in Europa League Group Stage," 20 May 2018 Tina Fey's book is often hilarious, and the show makes room for outcast adolescents who prove themselves to be even more entertaining than the beauty queens and jocks who are lampooned with aplomb. — Charles Mcnulty, latimes.com, "What 'My Fair Lady' and 'Carousel' bring to Broadway that 'Mean Girls' does not," 17 May 2018 At one point in the video, Atlas encounters a log across its path but leaps over it with aplomb. — NBC News, "Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot goes for a run in the burbs," 11 May 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.