1 imperturbability | Definition of imperturbability
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imperturbable

adjective
im路​per路​turb路​able | \ 藢im-p蓹r-藞t蓹r-b蓹-b蓹l How to pronounce imperturbable (audio) \

Definition of imperturbable

: marked by extreme calm, impassivity, and steadiness : serene
Other Words from imperturbable Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about imperturbable

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Other Words from imperturbable

imperturbability \ 藢im-​p蓹r-​藢t蓹r-​b蓹-​藞bi-​l蓹-​t膿 How to pronounce imperturbability (audio) \ noun
imperturbably \ 藢im-​p蓹r-​藞t蓹r-​b蓹-​bl膿 How to pronounce imperturbably (audio) \ adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for imperturbable

Synonyms

nerveless, unflappable, unshakable

Antonyms

perturbable, shakable (or shakeable)

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Choose the Right Synonym for imperturbable

cool, composed, collected, unruffled, imperturbable, nonchalant mean free from agitation or excitement. cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness. kept a cool head composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition. the composed pianist gave a flawless concert collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis. the nurse stayed calm and collected unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement. harried but unruffled imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation. the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern. a nonchalant driver

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- and turbare, which means "to disturb." Other relatives of "imperturbable" include "disturb" and "turbid."

Examples of imperturbable in a Sentence

Although he seems outwardly imperturbable, he can get very angry at times. the chef was absolutely imperturbable鈥攅ven when the kitchen caught on fire

Recent Examples on the Web

 Even more imperturbable was Charlie Watts, his steady, impeccable drive still undimmed after all these years. — Marc Hirsh, BostonGlobe.com, "At Gillette, there鈥檚 no stopping the Rolling Stones," 8 July 2019 Vile鈥檚 songs sound, on the one hand, like the work of someone who鈥檚 radically imperturbable, and deeply chill in temperament, like a guy gently strumming his guitar and taking it all in. — John Adamian, courant.com, "Kurt Vile and the Violators playing College Street," 19 July 2019 The 37-year-old Buttigieg, meanwhile, has impressed voters with his imperturbable demeanor and thoughtful views on everything from cultural change to public service. — oregonlive.com, "Troubling portents for Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders as 2020 Democratic presidential race heats up, new polls arrive," 10 June 2019 Instead, as on the recording, Penn offered solid phrasemaking, robust tone and an imperturbable rhythmic pulse. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "Yes, magician Penn can play jazz bass and proves it at Green Mill," 25 Mar. 2018 Alessandra Migliaccio and John Follain recount how the clean-cut, imperturbable 31-year-old transformed a movement founded by a profane comic into one that speaks both to Italy鈥檚 poor and its entrepreneurs. — Bloomberg.com, "Berlusconi Aims for Fifth Term as Premier: Italy Campaign Trail," 28 Feb. 2018 Like his speech, his cocktails and his service style enact the imperturbable feeling of this neighborhood. — Esther Mobley, San Francisco Chronicle, "White Cap brings great cocktails and surfer vibe to the Outer Sunset," 9 Jan. 2018 That surprised those who knew him well because Mr. Hall had always displayed an imperturbable manner. — Benedict Nightingale, New York Times, "Peter Hall, British Theater Director and Founder of Royal Shakespeare Company, Dies at 86," 12 Sep. 2017 Judge looks more like another young star from the Bronx whose imperturbable manner didn鈥檛 stop him from becoming the biggest star of his generation. — Henry Grabar, Slate Magazine, "Aaron Judge Could Be the Face of Baseball," 25 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'imperturbable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of imperturbable

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for imperturbable

Middle English, from Late Latin imperturbabilis, from Latin in- + perturbare to perturb

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More Definitions for imperturbable

imperturbable

adjective
How to pronounce imperturbable (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of imperturbable

formal : very calm : very hard to disturb or upset

See the full definition for imperturbable in the English Language Learners Dictionary

imperturbable

adjective
im路​per路​turb路​able | \ 藢im-p蓹r-藞t蓹r-b蓹-b蓹l How to pronounce imperturbable (audio) \

Kids Definition of imperturbable

: hard to disturb or upset : very calm an imperturbable teacher

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More from Merriam-Webster on imperturbable

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for imperturbable

Spanish Central: Translation of imperturbable

Nglish: Translation of imperturbable for Spanish Speakers

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