aplomb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aplomb" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is self-assured, confident, and composed, especially in difficult situations. Example: "She handled the unexpected questions from the audience with aplomb, impressing everyone with her poise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At Lord's the England and Wales Cricket Board was unveiling Andrew Strauss as its new director of cricket, a position created to address a slump in the national team's performances in the past 18 months that included a 5-0 Ashes thumping by Australia and a World Cup campaign this year in which the seemingly impossible task of failing to make the knockout stages was achieved with aplomb.

The Guardian - Sport

Armed with impressive detail, the PM papered over cracks and cost-cutting risks with aplomb.

The Guardian - Opinion

After 37 minutes De Guzmán struck again, this time from seven yards after a delightful one-two with Bony, whose backheeled through pass left his teammate with only Ruddy to beat – a task he accomplished with aplomb.

The Guardian - Sport

Her understanding of the economic conditions required to transition with such aplomb were echoed by a number of other trans women on my social media feeds, even those who celebrate her visibility: we all know too well how difficult and expensive it is to be a certain kind of pretty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stegner deals with the dual threads of the novel with aplomb and produces a thoughtful, crystalline book.

The Guardian - Books

Not deliberately, I swear, but it's still there, sometimes, an awareness that people think I'm smarter than I am because I bullshit with aplomb, the discomforting knowledge that with a different manner and a different voice on the front of the same brain, I might have wound up somewhere different.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wrote several different stories about separation and people trying to relate to each other and get by.' At SXSW, he performs with casual aplomb - no grimacing and grunting for this quietly charismatic talent.

The Guardian - Music

"IF THEY try to take foreign policy away from me, it would be the equivalent of a coup d'é tat!" declared a Socialist president, François Mitterrand, with Gaullist aplomb at the outset of France's first experience of power-sharing between right and left in 1986.

The Economist

The Great Train Robbery, for all its grisly aplomb, now looks like little more than rather old-fashioned thuggery.

The Economist

"We shall laugh well one day, monsieur," Ralegh quite incorrectly predicted, "for having thus cozened and beguiled the king, his council, and the Spaniards and all .Mr Hyland, a poet and travel writer, narrates the whole ignominious episode with aplomb.

The Economist

These agents' motives and behaviours can be fine-tuned to mess things up with the same aplomb as a real employee.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aplomb" to describe someone who handles challenging situations with a blend of confidence, skill, and grace. It suggests not just competence, but also a certain elegance in their approach.

Common error

Avoid using "aplomb" simply to mean 'confidence'. It implies a specific kind of confident handling of a situation, often one that is difficult or demanding. Overusing it in simpler contexts diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "aplomb" is as a noun. It typically functions as the object of a preposition or a verb, describing the quality of self-assurance and composure. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "aplomb" describes a self-assured, confident, and composed manner, particularly in difficult situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in English writing. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias, denoting a formal register. To achieve stylistic excellence, remember that "aplomb" suggests more than simple confidence; it conveys a graceful and skillful handling of challenging circumstances. When seeking alternatives, consider words like "composure", "poise", or "self-assurance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-assurance

Focuses more on the internal feeling of confidence rather than the outward display of it.

composure

Highlights the calmness and collectedness, especially under pressure.

poise

Emphasizes grace and balance in one's demeanor and actions.

self-possession

Indicates control over one's emotions and behavior.

equanimity

Stresses the ability to maintain mental calmness and evenness of temper, particularly in a difficult situation.

sangfroid

Highlights coolness and calmness, especially in dangerous or trying circumstances.

deftness

Emphasizes skill and quickness in handling something.

finesse

Implies delicate skill and subtlety in dealing with a situation.

assuredness

Highlights the state of being confident and sure of oneself.

presence of mind

Focuses on the ability to think clearly and act effectively in a crisis.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "aplomb" in a sentence?

Use "aplomb" to describe someone's self-assured and graceful handling of a challenging situation. For example, 'She handled the difficult questions with "aplomb"'.

What are some alternatives to "aplomb"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "composure", "poise", or "self-assurance" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "aplomb" formal or informal?

"Aplomb" is generally considered a more formal term, suitable for professional writing or situations where a sophisticated tone is desired. In informal settings, simpler words like "confidence" may be preferable.

What distinguishes "aplomb" from simple confidence?

"Aplomb" suggests not only confidence but also a level of skill and grace in managing a situation, particularly one that is difficult or demanding. It implies a composed and elegant approach, not just a belief in one's abilities.