Word
composure
Phoneticscom·po·sure, stress on the second syllable
US/kəmˈpoʊʒɝ/
UK/kəmpˈəʊʒɐ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the state of being calm and in control of your feelings, even in a difficult situation. It means you are not letting stress or anger show on your face or in your actions.
n. the state of being calm and in control of one's emotions. Often refers to maintaining a steady outward appearance during stressful or provocative circumstances.
Examples
“She kept her composure during the difficult interview.”
“Despite the aggressive questioning from the reporters, the politician never lost his composure.”
“Maintaining one's composure in the face of public criticism is often cited as the hallmark of a seasoned leader, as it prevents minor setbacks from escalating into full-blown crises.”
Examples
simple
“She kept her composure during the difficult interview.”
contextual
“Despite the aggressive questioning from the reporters, the politician never lost his composure.”
complex
“Maintaining one's composure in the face of public criticism is often cited as the hallmark of a seasoned leader, as it prevents minor setbacks from escalating into full-blown crises.”
Usage
Commonly used with the verbs 'keep', 'maintain', 'lose', or 'regain'.
Real-World Examples
“Some grownups are in the room at last and, for Xabi Alonso, the hope is that bringing in more experience will help a squad still packed with youngsters show more composure when adversity strikes.” “Initially, Jamie struggles to retain composure in the face of Diane’s gale-force disdain, as she picks and pecks at his every word.” Etymology
From compose + -ure.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/composure