aplomb

noun

ə-ˈpläm  -ˈpləm 

: complete and confident composure or self-assurance : poise

She played several roles with equal aplomb.

Did you know?

If you do something with aplomb, you do it with composure and self-assurance—you do it with poise. This English noun aplomb was borrowed directly from French, where it carries the meanings of both “composure” and “perpendicularity.” The French word aplomb comes from the phrase “a plomb,” meaning “perpendicularly,” or literally “according to the plummet” (a plummet being a lead weight that is attached to a line and used to determine vertical alignment). Plomb has its roots in the Latin word plumbum, meaning “lead,” source too of such varied English words as plummet, plumb, plumber (which originally referred to someone who deals with or works in lead), and the symbol Pb, which designates the element lead on the periodic table. Plumbum is also the source of the word plunge, and therefore plunger. The fact that a plumber is able to use a plunger with more aplomb than most of us is, however, merely coincidence.

Synonyms of aplomb

• composure

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

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

Jim Carrey, wearing layer upon layer of green makeup and prosthetics, lends his signature goofy star persona to the lead role, while character actors like Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, and Molly Shannon fulfill their Whoville roles with aplomb. —Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Nov. 2025

Dante Moore has led from the front with aplomb and is backed by a strong running corps, though stopping Washington’s ground game could be the real key to victory here. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025

Copeland delivered with a home that can host chic cocktail parties and cozy Christmas mornings with equal aplomb. —Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

The news is tough to swallow considering Thornton has played a bunch at nickel corner the past two weeks and has done so with aplomb. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, perpendicularity, from Middle French, from a plomb, literally, according to the plummet

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aplomb

• balaam
• cocom
• embalm
• islam
• pogrom
• salaam
• sitcom
• balm
• bom
• bomb
• calm
• dom

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Kids Definition

aplomb

noun

ə-ˈpläm  -ˈpləm 

: complete freedom from nervousness or uncertainty