I heard my wife use this word yesterday, and I like this word.

The noun “aplomb” means self-confident poise, assurance, or self-possession or great composure under strain.

The word dates back to mid-1820s French and literally means according to the plummet, as in straight up and down.

“She gave the speech with aplomb.” is a good example of how to use this noun.

Applying the noun’s literal meaning to this example, we get “She gave the speech without leaning or swaying.”

Is that not a descriptive picture of self-confidence?!

Consider adding “aplomb” to your vocabulary.

You might be surprised by how useful this noun can be.