Aplomb means complete confidence and composure, especially in situations where others might feel nervous or flustered. When a student gives a presentation with aplomb, she speaks clearly and naturally, even though thirty pairs of eyes are watching her. When a gymnast lands a difficult routine with aplomb, she sticks the landing perfectly and walks off the mat with quiet confidence.

The word captures a graceful self-assurance that makes difficult things look easy. A musician performing with aplomb plays as if the pressure doesn't exist at all. A diplomat handling a tense negotiation with aplomb stays poised and clear-headed when everyone else is growing anxious.

You'll often hear aplomb paired with the word “with,” as in “She handled the emergency with remarkable aplomb.” This makes sense because aplomb is most visible when circumstances are challenging. Anyone can appear confident during easy times, but aplomb shows up precisely when things get hard. When someone demonstrates aplomb, they make others feel calmer too, as if their quiet confidence spreads to everyone around them.