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aplomb

noun/əˈplɑm/

self-confidence or assurance, especially in a demanding situation

Despite the unexpected questions from the audience, she handled the entire presentation with aplomb, impressing everyone with her poise and clarity.

poiseassuranceconfidence
word origin — late 19th century, from French 'aplomb', which means 'perpendicularity', derived from 'plomber', meaning 'to plumb'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 143

Set 143 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: aplomb, gallantry, temperance, patrician, sneer. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. aplomb · noun/əˈplɑm/

    self-confidence or assurance, especially in a demanding situation

    Despite the unexpected questions from the audience, she handled the entire presentation with aplomb, impressing everyone with her poise and clarity.

    Synonyms: poise, assurance, confidence

    Origin: late 19th century, from French 'aplomb', which means 'perpendicularity', derived from 'plomber', meaning 'to plumb'.

  2. gallantry · noun/ˈɡæləntri/

    courageous behavior especially in battle or a courteous attention to women

    His gallantry in battle earned him a medal of honor for his bravery and selflessness.

    Synonyms: bravery, chivalry, valor

    Origin: Middle English 'galauntrie', from Old French 'galan' meaning 'elegant' or 'gallant', which is derived from 'galer' meaning 'to rejoice'.

  3. temperance · noun/ˈtɛmpərəns/

    moderation or self-restraint in behavior or expression

    His temperance in eating ensured he maintained a healthy lifestyle, avoiding excess and focusing on balance.

    Synonyms: moderation, self-restraint, sobriety

    Origin: from Middle English, from Old French temperance, from Latin temperantia, from temperare 'to moderate'

  4. patrician · noun/pəˈtrɪʃ.ən/

    a member of the aristocracy or noble class in ancient Rome

    The patrician class held significant power in the early days of Rome, often influencing political decisions and societal norms.

    Synonyms: noble, aristocrat, elite

    Origin: from Latin 'patricius', meaning 'of the fathers, noble' derived from 'pater' meaning 'father'

  5. sneer · noun/snɪr/

    a facial expression of contempt or scorn

    She looked at him with a sneer, clearly showing her disdain for his ideas.

    Synonyms: mock, scoff, derision

    Origin: The word 'sneer' originates from the Middle English 'sneren', which is derived from the Old Norse 'snaera', meaning to twist or snarl.