Words / C2

imp-uh-TURB-uh-bl/ˌɪmpəˈtɜːbəbl/

Imperturbable means remaining calm and not easily upset or excited: an imperturbable manner, imperturbable under fire. Calm (already in the dictionary) is everyday; phlegmatic (already in the dictionary) is calmly unemotional, the close twin. Circumspect (already in the dictionary) is careful before acting, of caution not of temper. Choleric and histrionic (already in the dictionary) are hot-tempered and over-theatrical — the opposite flavour. Unshakeable calm still has to date an embargo.

Meaning

Remaining calm and not easily upset or excited.

Examples

• “An imperturbable chair still has to date the embargo.”
• “Calm is everyday (already in A2). Phlegmatic is calmly unemotional (already in C2). Circumspect is cautious (already in C2). Choleric is hot-tempered (already in C2). Histrionic is over-theatrical (already in C2) — the contrast. Quiet after a sitting can be harmless. Quiet instead of a dated line is a hole. Write the embargo; then the composure.”

Good to know

Unshakably calm. Everyday: calm (already in this dictionary). Close: phlegmatic (already in C2). Contrast: choleric / histrionic (already in C2). Composure ≠ a date.

Near in meaning

unflappable, calm, phlegmatic, composed

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