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

1. great coolness and composure under strain
   • keep your cool