Sangfroid
Noun
- Composure or coolness, sometimes excessive, as shown in danger or under trying circumstances.
Example Sentences
“Brad displayed remarkable sangfroid as he sized up his options.”
“Sarah’s mother held onto her sangfroid as she dealt with the fender-bender accident.”
“The visiting team showed sangfroid even though the crowd didn’t have any of their supporters.”
Word Origin
French, mid-18th century
Why this word?
“Sangfroid” is an example of a loanword taken directly from French. Its literal translation is “cold blood,” but in English, it’s used as a figurative expression of composure or coolheadedness in the face of difficulty.