phlegmatical

Thân thiện

A phlegmatical man sits quietly in the park, observing the ducks.

Definition

Adjective 1. Having or showing a calm, unemotional, and slow-to-react temperament; not easily excited or upset. This describes a person whose nature is characterized by stoicism, composure, and a lack of visible agitation.

Usage

The adjective "phlegmatical" is used to describe a person's character or demeanor. It often implies a certain slowness or steadiness, sometimes perceived as a lack of enthusiasm or passion, but primarily denotes emotional calmness. * It is typically used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "be" or "seem"). * The more common variant is phlegmatic.

Examples

• His phlegmatical response to the crisis helped to calm everyone else in the room.
• She remained phlegmatical throughout the heated debate, never raising her voice.
• The phlegmatical detective methodically examined the scene, unmoved by the grisly sight.

Advanced Usage

• The term originates from the ancient and medieval concept of the four bodily humors, where "phlegm" was associated with a cold and moist temperament, leading to a sluggish, calm, and unemotional personality.
• It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of apathy or dullness, but more often it is a neutral or positive description of admirable composure.

Variants and Related Words

• Phlegmatic (adj.): The standard and more frequently used form of "phlegmatical." They are interchangeable.
  • He is a famously phlegmatic individual.
• Phlegm (n.): While primarily meaning mucus, in a historical/figurative sense it can refer to calmness and composure.
  • He faced the ordeal with remarkable phlegm.

Synonyms

• Stoic: Enduring pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining.
• Impassive: Not feeling or showing emotion.
• Stolid: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
• Unflappable: Having or showing calmness in a crisis.
• Composed: Having one's feelings and expression under control.

Antonyms

• Excitable
• Emotional
• Passionate
• Mercurial
• High-strung

Học thuật

Adjective

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

Từ đồng nghĩa

• phlegmatic