phlegmatical

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Word: Phlegmatical

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "phlegmatical" describes a person who shows little emotion or is calm and composed, even in situations where others might be excited or upset. It suggests a steady, unflappable temperament.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "phlegmatical" to describe someone who remains calm and does not easily express emotions, whether in happy or stressful situations.
• It is often used in a slightly formal or literary context.

Examples:

1. "Despite the chaos around him, Tom remained phlegmatical, calmly solving the problems that arose."
2. "Her phlegmatical nature made her an excellent candidate for the job, as she could handle stressful situations without panicking."

Advanced Usage:

• You can use "phlegmatical" to discuss personality traits in a more nuanced way, perhaps in psychology or literature, to analyze characters who do not show their feelings openly.

Word Variants:

• Phlegmatic (adjective): This is a more common form of the word and is used more frequently. It has the same meaning.
• Phlegm (noun): While this word refers to a type of mucus in the body, it is also used historically to describe one of the bodily humors thought to affect temperament, contributing to a phlegmatic personality.

Different Meanings:

• In a medical context, "phlegm" refers to the thick mucus secreted by the respiratory system, but "phlegmatical" strictly refers to personality traits.

Synonyms:

• Calm
• Unemotional
• Composed
• Indifferent
• Stoic

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs using "phlegmatical," but you might encounter phrases like "keep a stiff upper lip," which conveys a similar idea of maintaining composure in difficult times.

Summary:

In summary, "phlegmatical" is a useful adjective to describe someone who remains calm and shows little emotion.

Academic

Adjective

1. showing little emotion
   • a phlegmatic...and certainly undemonstrative man

Synonyms

• phlegmatic