imperturbable
adjective
Did you know?
There is an interesting time lag between the appearance of imperturbable and its antonym, perturbable. Although imperturbable is known to have existed since the middle of the 15th century, perturbable didn't show up in written English until 1800. The verb perturb (meaning "to disquiet" or "to throw into confusion") predates both imperturbable and perturbable; it has been part of English since the 14th century. All three words derive from Latin perturbare (also meaning "to throw into confusion"), which in turn comes from the combination of per- (meaning "thoroughly") and turbare, which means "to disturb." Other relatives of imperturbable include disturb and turbid.
Synonyms
- nerveless
- unflappable
- unshakable
Example Sentences
Bill Carter For Cnn Business Perspectives, CNN, 9 Sep. 2022 Gerald Kyd also shines as all-seeing, imperturbable Dr. Dorn, whether wearyingly suggesting Arkadina’s ailing brother simply needs to take Paracetamol or thoughtfully dispensing kindness. David Benedict, Variety, 8 July 2022 Inquisitive and imperturbable, Nelly is our guide through the story, which somehow unfolds on her initiative. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2022 The fat man was still sitting with the same imperturbable calm. Vladimir Sorokin, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2021 And the flexibility of the imperturbable Audi mill allows a fifth-gear drive from near idle to redline, a trait reminiscent of the early Lamborghini GTs and one which makes the Spyker a pussycat to drive around town. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2021 The Emmy winner stars as Del Harris, the imperturbable police chief in the languishing Rust Belt town of Buell, Pennsylvania. Ew Staff, EW.com, 10 Sep. 2021 The slow movement was infused with an imperturbable serenity, perhaps the single most elusive state to achieve in the Hollywood Bowl. Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2021 And, alone among the leading founders, the great imperturbable James Madison thought the country would likely do just fine. Barton Swaim, WSJ, 2 July 2021 See More Word History
Middle English, from Late Latin imperturbabilis, from Latin in- + perturbare to perturb
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
imperturbable
adjective
imperturbable
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- nonchalant
- calm
- unflappable
- serene
- unshakable
- composed
- nerveless
- unruffled
- unperturbed
- cool
- collected
- unshaken
- tranquil
- placid
- unworried
- undisturbed
- untroubled
- coolheaded
- steely
- self-possessed
- icy
- self-composed
- self-collected
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- perturbable
- panicky
- perturbed
- shakable
- shakeable
- nervous
- uptight
- troubled
- anxious
- uneasy
- shaky
- dithery
- tense
- jittery
- jumpy
- upset
- edgy
- nervy
- worried
- het up
- aflutter
- hung up
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of imperturbable are collected, composed, cool, nonchalant, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.
The words collected and imperturbable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.
Although the words composed and imperturbable have much in common, composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.
In some situations, the words cool and imperturbable are roughly equivalent. However, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.
While in some cases nearly identical to imperturbable, nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.
While the synonyms unruffled and imperturbable are close in meaning, unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.