having a calm and composed disposition lacking in emotional responsiveness
example
Despite the chaotic situation around him, his phlegmatic demeanor helped everyone stay focused and calm.
synonyms
calmcomposedunperturbed
word origin — from Late Latin 'phlegmaticus', from Greek 'phlegmatikos', relating to phlegm, one of the bodily humors in ancient and medieval physiology
phlegmatic, truculent, garrulous, extant, surreptitious: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 10. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
phlegmatic · adjective/flɛɡˈmætɪk/
having a calm and composed disposition lacking in emotional responsiveness
Despite the chaotic situation around him, his phlegmatic demeanor helped everyone stay focused and calm.
Synonyms: calm, composed, unperturbed
Origin: from Late Latin 'phlegmaticus', from Greek 'phlegmatikos', relating to phlegm, one of the bodily humors in ancient and medieval physiology
truculent · adjective/ˈtrʌkjələnt/
eager or quick to argue or fight
The truculent debate team was always ready to engage in fierce arguments with their opponents.
Synonyms: defiant, combative, aggressive
Origin: from Latin 'truculentus', meaning 'savage, fierce', derived from 'trux', meaning 'savage, rough'
garrulous · adjective/ˈɡɛr.ə.ləs/
excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters
The garrulous neighbor often interrupted our conversations with her endless stories about her garden.
Synonyms: talkative, loquacious, voluble
Origin: Originates from the Latin word 'garrulus', meaning 'talkative', which is derived from 'garrire', meaning 'to chatter'.
extant · adjective/ɛkˈstænt/
still in existence or surviving
The researchers discovered several extant species that had survived environmental changes over the centuries.
Synonyms: existing, surviving, current
Origin: Late Latin 'extantem' (present participle of 'extare' meaning to stand out or to be present)
surreptitious · adjective/ˌsɜrəpˈtɪʃəs/
conducted in a secret or stealthy manner
The detective observed the surreptitious behavior of the suspect as he exchanged documents under the cover of darkness.
Synonyms: secret, stealthy, clandestine
Origin: From Latin 'surreptitius', meaning 'taken secretly', from 'surrepere', which means 'to seize secretly'.