sangfroid
Say it: song-FRWAH /sɒ̃ˈfrwɑː/ · noun
What “sangfroid” means
Staying calm and composed under pressure.
More precisely: Calmness and composure under pressure.
Example: “The pilot announced the engine failure with remarkable sangfroid.”
When to use it
When admiring someone's composure during danger or difficulty, usually in formal writing or slightly dramatic conversation.
Memory trick
French for cold blood: picture keeping cool when everyone else starts to panic.
Similar words
composure, cool, self-possession
Where it comes from
French sang-froid, 'cold blood'.
Quick check
When a stage light crashes nearby, the presenter calmly moves everyone to safety without raising her voice. She shows…
indifference or sangfroid?
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sangfroid
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