Learn English – Word for one who does not see flaw/fault in oneself

epithet-requestsmeaningmeaning-in-contextpejorative-languagesingle-word-requests

I have been digging for a word that English seems to have a hard time representing. If I were to describe the spirit of what I'm trying to convey, it would be one who does not look inward for fault or error. It's a confidence, a self-belief, perhaps even a self confidence.

The issue I have when trying to isolate a word like this is that often the suggestion is far harsher than what I visualize. The suggestions I get seem to be rooted in arrogance, without blame, or words that suggest a supreme confidence. Instead I'm trying to convey a sort of organic confidence in oneself. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Best Answer

The word you are undoubtedly seeking is aplomb. I refer to senses 2 and 3 of the OED entry below.

Etymology: French aplomb perpendicular position, steadfastness, assurance, < the phrase à plomb ‘according to the plummet.’

  1. ‘The perpendicular’; perpendicularity. 1872 C. King Mountaineering in Sierra Nevada iii. 69 We sprang on, never resting long enough to lose the aplomb.

1880 A. D. Whitney Odd or Even? iii. 23 The girl jumped, with clean aplomb, from the wagon-wheel to the broad door-stone. (Hide quotations)

  1. Assurance, confidence, self-possession, coolness. 1828 T. P. Thompson Exercises (1842) IV. 548 They never present themselves with any aplomb; but always with some lurking recognition of the power of their adversaries.

1849 C. Brontë Shirley I. xi. 291 Impatience of her chilly ceremony, and annoyance at her want of aplomb.

  1. attrib. quasi-adj. Self-possessed, confident. 1865 A. D. Whitney Gayworthys 220 Her ordinary, aplomb fashion of speech.
Related Topic