aplomb
uh-PLAHM · noun
Calm self-confidence, especially in a difficult situation.
Memory connection
Picture “a plum”
A tightrope walker balances a plum on her head and crosses without a tremor, completely calm under pressure.
The sound cue helps you reach the scene; the action in the scene carries you from the scene to the definition.
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Meaning in context
He handled the hostile questions with remarkable aplomb.
The violinist recovered from the broken string with such aplomb that some listeners barely noticed.
Aplomb is an uncountable noun. The common phrase with aplomb highlights composure and assurance during something demanding or awkward.
Common patterns
- with aplomb
- considerable aplomb
- handle with aplomb
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Where the word comes from
Aplomb comes from French à plomb, “according to the plumb line.” Because a lead-weighted plumb line establishes a steady vertical, the physical idea of balance developed into emotional poise.
Register and usage
An approving noun for confident self-possession, aplomb is especially useful when someone remains poised during a difficult or public moment. The most common construction is with aplomb.
Word family
- aplomb (noun; no common derived forms)
References for further checking
These links provide fuller dictionary and word-history entries. MnemoWords writes its own learner explanation rather than reproducing their definitions.
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