composure
kum-POH-zher
/kəmˈpəʊ.ʒər/
The state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself.
Emphasizes self-possession and visible self-control, especially when tempted to panic, cry, or express anger.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'composer', meaning to put together. Composure literally means pulling your thoughts and feelings together into a structured, unified whole rather than letting them scatter in panic.
Word relationships
- poise: Poise highlights graceful, elegant self-assurance, whereas composure focuses on control over emotional turbulence.
- discomposure: Discomposure is the loss of self-control or embarrassment.
- hysteria: Hysteria is overwhelming, uncontrollable emotional excitement.
Commonly confused with
- composition: Composition is the arrangement of parts or an essay; composure is self-control.
Word family
- composed (adjective): Calm, settled, and in control of one's feelings.
- composedly (adverb): In a calm and self-possessed manner.
Collocations
- keep one's composure
- regain composure
- lose one's composure
- poise and composure
Idioms & expressions
- keep one's cool
- pull oneself together
Example sentences
- "Despite intense questioning from the press, the spokesperson maintained her composure throughout the conference." Crisis management
- "He recovered his composure with an effort, smiling at his host." Classic Literature
Memory hook
COMPOSE your thoughts to gain COMPOSURE. Pulling yourself together.
When not to use
Do not use to describe landscapes or non-living objects.
Fun facts
- In chess terminology, grandmasters who maintain composure under time scrambles are said to have strong 'blitz discipline'.
Related words
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