What does aplomb mean?
Word: Aplomb
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Aplomb means calm self-confidence, especially when something is difficult.
Synonyms: composure
Antonyms: nervousness
How do you spell aplomb?
Syllables: a - plomb
Tricky part: The word ends in a b that nobody says, so pupils often leave it out.
Watch out for: aplom, aplome
Memory tip: Your thumb has a silent b at its end. Give a thumbs-up to anyone who shows this quality and you will keep the b.
Aplomb in a sentence
Example 1: Our youngest singer took the stage with complete aplomb.
Example 2: He answered the judges' awkward question with aplomb.
Example 3: When the microphone failed, the host told a joke with perfect aplomb.
Fun Fact
The French phrase behind it described something hanging straight, as a weight on a plumb line does. The idea of a straight, upright line slowly grew into steady self-confidence.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is misspelt. Choose the meaning of that word:
1. magnanimous 2. aplumb 3. fastidious 4. diligent
a) working hard and with steady care
b) steady assurance under pressure
c) generous and ready to forgive
d) very hard to please about small details
Show answer
b) steady assurance under pressure. The list has a u where aplomb has an o.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word aplomb as used in the sentence:
Asha handled the hardest round of the quiz with aplomb, smiling all the way through.
a) haste
b) anger
c) poise
d) speed
Show answer
c) poise. Poise is a calm, controlled manner, the very thing Asha showed.
Mingle-Mangle
The sentence hides a jumbled word. Choose the word:
The young captain faced the noisy crowd with mopbal and led her team out.
a) plumb
b) appeal
c) ample
d) aplomb
Show answer
d) aplomb. Only one option uses all six letters, with its b and m.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
applomb
a) o
b) p
c) l
d) m
Show answer
b) p. The word needs just one p.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A debater who speaks with aplomb when her notes fall on the floor
a) bursts out laughing with the audience
b) carries on without seeming troubled
c) looks to her teacher for help
d) stops and asks to begin again
Show answer
b) carries on without seeming troubled
2. Which situation calls for aplomb the most?
a) reading a favourite comic at home on a Sunday
b) giving a speech after the lights suddenly fail
c) eating lunch with old friends in the canteen
d) copying the date from the board into a notebook
Show answer
b) giving a speech after the lights suddenly fail
