WORD OF THE DAY: Aplomb
[ə-PLAM]
Part of speech: Noun
Origin: French, late 18th century
Definition: Self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation.
Examples of Aplomb in a sentence
“The lead actor recovered with such aplomb that the audience forgot he had tripped onstage moments before.”
“I think I could pull off that outfit with aplomb.”
About Aplomb
This word developed to mean “perpendicularity, steadiness” from the French term “à plomb,” or according to a plumb line.
Did you Know?
Aplomb partially comes from the French word “à plomb,” or according to a plumb line — but what is a plumb line? With origins that can be traced back to ancient Egypt, a plumb bob is a line with a pointed weight (usually made of brass or steel) affixed to the end. When the weight is dangled, it creates a vertical line known as a plumb line, which was used by architects, builders, and engineers as a vertical reference point. While plumb bobs are still used in their original form, there is a more efficient update often used in its place — a laser level, which can project both vertical and horizontal lines hands-free.
