sang-froid
/'sỴ:ɳ'frwɑ:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - Great coolness and composure under strain: The quality of remaining calm, composed, and unemotional, especially in a difficult, dangerous, or stressful situation.
Usage
This word describes a person's demeanor or state of mind. It is used to praise someone's ability to maintain self-control and clear thinking when facing pressure, crisis, or provocation. It is a formal term, often implying a high degree of admirable self-possession.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "To display/show/exhibit sang-froid": To demonstrate calm composure.
- The pilot displayed incredible sang-froid after the engine failure.
- "To maintain/keep one's sang-froid": To continue to stay calm.
- Despite the chaos, she managed to maintain her sang-froid.
Variants and Related Words
- Aplomb (n): Similar to sang-froid, meaning self-confidence or assurance, especially in a demanding situation.
- Composure (n): The state of being calm and in control of oneself.
- Equanimity (n): Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
- Phlegm (n): In a formal/archaic sense, calmness and composure of temperament.
Synonyms
- Coolness
- Poise
- Self-possession
- Imperturbability
- Level-headedness
Antonyms
- Panic
- Agitation
- Fluster
- Hysteria
- Discomposure
Notes on Usage
- sang-froid is a loanword from French, literally meaning "cold blood." It retains its French spelling and is typically italicized in writing () or written without italics but with the hyphen.
- It is considered a sophisticated, literary, or formal term. In everyday conversation, synonyms like "coolness under pressure" or "composure" are more common.
Noun
- great coolness and composure under strain
- keep your cool