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

With covers of songs associated with the Carter Family, Wanda Jackson and Marty Robbins, Ness’ two solo albums drive the point home with even more aplomb. — Bill Brownlee, kansascity, "Social Distortion headlines the Middle of the Map Fest June 30 at Crossroads KC.," 13 June 2018 Co-chefs Seth Siegel-Gardner and Terrence Gallivan manage the feat with aplomb at Houston's top modernist luxury venue. — Houston Chronicle, "Alison Cook's Top 10 Houston restaurants," 10 May 2018 From the sparkling fingers of pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and otherworldly work of ondes martenot specialist Cynthia Millar at the front to the vast percussion section at the back, the forces under Welser-Most played with genuine zeal and aplomb. — Zachary Lewis, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Orchestra, guests conclude 'Ecstasy' series with stunning 'Divine' program (review)," 30 Apr. 2018 His mother, Kathy Williams, remains aplomb, though her fight to free her son, continues to be an arduous one. — Kathy Williams, Billboard, "Meek Mill's Mother's Plea to Lady Justice: 'You've Taken His Innocence and Abused His Pride'," 26 Mar. 2018 Cesc Fabregas found space in a congested midfield, the Arsenal midfielder found Andres Iniesta with a aplomb inside the area. — SI.com, "World Cup Countdown: 4 Days to Go - When Oranje Ditched Total Football in 2010 to Near-Perfection," 10 June 2018 Credit is due to Jenna Fischer, former Office star, for dealing with a wardrobe malfunction with creative aplomb. — Raisa Bruner, Time, "Jenna Fischer Wore a Towel on 'Jimmy Kimmel' After a Last-Minute Wardrobe Malfunction," 3 Apr. 2018 There’s a highbrow/lowbrow theme to the menu, steered with aplomb by Executive Chef Martha Wiggins. — Paul Oswell, Condé Nast Traveler, "21 Best Restaurants in New Orleans," 28 Feb. 2018 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

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.