Imperturbable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imperturbable

[ˌɪm.pəˈtɜː.bəl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

character trait

Unable to be upset or excited; calm and steady.

Synonyms

composed, cool-headed, stoic, unflappable, unruffled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imperturbable	This word is often used to describe someone who is not easily upset or agitated, maintaining calmness in stressful or intense situations. Despite the chaos around him, the surgeon remained imperturbable throughout the emergency operation
unflappable	This term is often used informally to describe someone who remains calm and composed even in unexpected or difficult situations. It implies resilience and a steady demeanor. The pilot was unflappable, even when the plane encountered severe turbulence
composed	This term is used when describing someone who appears calm and in control of their emotions and actions, often in formal or serious contexts. She stayed composed during the entire interview process, which impressed the panel
unruffled	This word describes someone who is not disturbed or worried by external factors, often used in slightly formal contexts. He seemed unruffled by the criticism and continued his work with the same dedication
cool-headed	Useful in informal contexts, this term refers to someone who stays calm and makes rational decisions, particularly in high-pressure situations. The firefighter's cool-headed approach saved many lives during the rescue mission
stoic	This word is often used to describe someone who endures pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. It can sometimes imply a sense of disinterest or detachment. Despite the difficult circumstances, she remained stoic and carried on with her duties

Examples of usage

Even in the face of great danger, she remained imperturbable.
His imperturbable demeanor under pressure earned him the respect of his colleagues.
The imperturbable nature of the old oak tree was a source of comfort to the villagers.
Despite the chaos around him, the leader maintained an imperturbable attitude.
She faced the criticism with an imperturbable smile.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

Stoic philosophers like Epictetus believed that to be imperturbable is to achieve a state of inner peace, regardless of external chaos.
The concept emphasizes the importance of self-control and emotional resilience in the face of challenges.
Modern mindfulness practices encourage developing an imperturbable mindset through awareness and meditation.

Psychology

An imperturbable temperament is often linked to high emotional intelligence, where individuals can manage their emotions effectively.
Research shows that people who handle stress without agitation tend to make better decisions under pressure.
Calmness in chaotic situations is often noted as a sign of strong leadership qualities.

Pop Culture

Characters like Sherlock Holmes are often portrayed as imperturbable, showcasing calm reasoning while solving complex mysteries.
In the film 'The Imitation Game', Alan Turing displays an imperturbable demeanor in the face of intense scrutiny.
Many inspirational public figures are revered for their imperturbable presence in times of crisis, guiding others with steadiness.

Literature

In literature, imperturbable characters often serve as a contrast to more volatile characters, creating dramatic tension.
Authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens often depicted imperturbable characters to highlight societal norms and expectations.
Fictional heroes in adventure stories sometimes exhibit an imperturbable demeanor, mastering their fears to overcome obstacles.

Origin of 'imperturbable'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'imperturbabilis', which means 'not able to be disturbed'.
In Latin, 'perturbare' means 'to disturb', with 'im-' as a prefix indicating negation.
The use of the term in English dates back to the early 17th century, primarily in philosophical contexts.

The word 'imperturbable' originated from the Latin word 'imperturbabilis', which means 'not disturbed'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The prefix 'im-' signifies 'not', and 'perturbable' is derived from the Latin 'perturbare', meaning 'to disturb'. Over the centuries, 'imperturbable' has come to describe someone who remains calm and composed even in challenging situations, showcasing a sense of inner strength and stability.

See also: perturb, perturbed, perturbing, unperturbed.