30 May 2019
aplomb
[uh-plom, uh-pluhm]
noun
1. imperturbable self-possession, poise, or assurance.
2. the perpendicular, or vertical, position.
Origin of aplomb
French
1820-1830 First recorded in 1820-30, aplomb is from the French word à plomb according to the plummet, i.e., straight up and down, vertical position
Synonyms
1. composure, equanimity, imperturbability.
Antonyms
1. confusion, discomposure; doubt, uncertainty.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018.
Examples from the Web for aplomb
Contemporary Examples
Resolving moral dilemmas is her daily work, and she does it with clarity and aplomb.
Ian McEwan’s New Novel Keeps Life at Arm’s Length
Nick Romeo
September 11, 2014
Meanwhile, during the past several years in Champagne, the “Grower” movement has gained momentum and aplomb.
Champagne Goes Rogue
Jordan Salcito
December 28, 2013
When he needed to put Rick Perry and Rick Santorum away during the primaries, by God he did it, and with aplomb.
Mitt Romney’s Game-Change Moment in the Denver Presidential Debate
Michael Tomasky
October 2, 2012
But Obama and his party have been playing the race card with the aplomb of a Jim Crow Democrat.
The Tribal Election: Barack Obama Turns to the Karl Rove Playbook
Joel Kotkin
July 24, 2012
The no-nonsense Belvin Perry Jr. presided over the tangled proceedings with aplomb.
World’s Crankiest Judges
Alex Berg
July 4, 2011
Historical Examples
She received his bits of news with the aplomb of a resourceful commander.
The Spenders
Harry Leon Wilson
Miss Milbrey disunited the chatting couple with swiftness and aplomb.
The Spenders
Harry Leon Wilson
I could read as much in her narrowed eyes as she tried for aplomb with her guests.
Ruggles of Red Gap
Harry Leon Wilson
The aplomb—why should there be a French word for an English quality?
The Knight Of Gwynne, Vol. I (of II)
Charles James Lever
Before the end of the repast he had recovered all his assurance, all his aplomb.
Samuel Brohl & Company
Victor Cherbuliez
Today’s quote
I don’t see the point of having 80 million people online if all they are doing in the end is talking to ghosts in the suburbs.
– Umberto Eco
On this day
30 May 1778 – death of François-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire. French enlightment writer, historian and philosopher. A man of wit who advocated freedom of religion, freedom of expression and separation of church and state. Voltaire wrote more than 20,000 letters, 2,000 books and pamphlets. He criticised intolerance, religious dogma and social institutions. Born 21 November 1694.
30 May 1911 – death of Milton Bradley, U.S. board-game maker, credited with launching the board-game industry. Born 8 November 1836.