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Phlegmatic: meaning, definitions and examples

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phlegmatic

 

[ ˈflɛɡmətɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

temperament

Phlegmatic refers to a type of temperament characterized by calmness, reliability, and a lack of emotional response. Individuals with a phlegmatic disposition often appear unhurried and are typically considered to be good listeners. They tend to avoid conflict and prioritize harmony in their interactions with others. This temperament is one of the four classical humors in ancient medical theory, suggesting that a person’s health and personality were influenced by bodily fluids.

Synonyms

calm, impassive, serene, stoic, unexcitable.

Examples of usage

  • He maintained a phlegmatic demeanor even in stressful situations.
  • Her phlegmatic nature made her an excellent mediator during conflicts.
  • The team needed someone with a phlegmatic attitude to balance out the excitement of the others.

Translations

Translations of the word "phlegmatic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 flegmático

🇮🇳 फ्लेमैटिक

🇩🇪 phlegmatisch

🇮🇩 flegmatik

🇺🇦 флегматичний

🇵🇱 flegmatyczny

🇯🇵 冷静な

🇫🇷 flegmatique

🇪🇸 flemático

🇹🇷 flematik

🇰🇷 냉정한

🇸🇦 فليغماتي

🇨🇿 flegmatický

🇸🇰 flegmatický

🇨🇳 冷静的

🇸🇮 flegmatičen

🇮🇸 flegmatískur

🇰🇿 флегматикалық

🇬🇪 ფლეგმატული

🇦🇿 flegmatik

🇲🇽 flemático

Etymology

The term 'phlegmatic' derives from the Greek word 'phlegma,' which means 'flame' or 'inflammation,' relating to the ancient belief in the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. These humors were thought to influence both physical health and temperament. The concept of phlegmatic arose in antiquity, notably in the writings of Hippocrates and later by Galen, who categorized people based on the dominance of one of the four humors. A phlegmatic person was believed to have a predominance of phlegm, resulting in a temperament that was slow, calm, and thoughtful, lacking in ambition or energy. This notion persisted throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, influencing various fields, including philosophy, psychology, and medicine. In contemporary usage, 'phlegmatic' describes a personality type that is characterized by emotional stability and reliability, often appreciated in personal and professional contexts for its steadiness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,782, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.