Imperturbable
/ˌɪmpərˈtɜːrbəbl/
adjectiveC2
Definition
Imperturbable describes a person or their behavior when they stay calm and steady, no matter what happens around them. They do not show strong emotions like anger or fear, even if the situation is hard or surprising. It is a way to say someone is very peaceful inside and does not lose control of their feelings.
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See It in Action
Describing a person who stays calm and does not show strong emotions
- •The imperturbable judge listened to every argument without showing any reaction.
- •Even during the emergency, she remained imperturbable and helped others calmly.
- •His imperturbable nature made him a good leader in stressful times.
Describing behavior or attitude that is steady and not easily disturbed
- •The imperturbable calm of the monk inspired everyone around him.
- •Despite the loud noise, the dog was imperturbable and did not bark.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "imperturbable" like "calm" (A1 word), but much stronger—someone who never loses their calm, no matter what
- ✓Picture a quiet lake with no waves, even when the wind blows hard around it
- ✓It’s the feeling you have when you see a person who never gets angry or worried, even if things go wrong
- ✓Sounds like "im-per-TUR-buh-bull" → imagine a turtle (tur) that stays inside its shell and does not get disturbed by anything outside
- ✓Think of a wise old teacher who listens carefully and never shows surprise or anger, always steady and peaceful
- ✓NOT like "nervous" (easily worried or scared), "imperturbable" means not disturbed at all
- ✓NOT like "quiet" (only about sound), imperturbable is about feelings and reactions inside
- ✓NOT like "strong" in body, but strong in mind and emotion control
Try Other Words
- •Unshakable: very steady and not easily disturbed (Use when emphasizing someone’s strong mental or emotional stability)
- •Steady: firm and not changing (Use for general situations of being stable or balanced)
- •Collected: calm and in control of feelings (Use when someone controls emotions well in difficult moments)
- •Serene: peaceful and calm (Use when describing a peaceful atmosphere or person)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "im-" (not) + root "perturb" (to disturb or upset) + suffix "-able" (able to be)
- •Etymology: From Latin "imperturbabilis," meaning "not able to be disturbed"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s in English to describe a state of being calm and not easily upset
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe people who stay calm in difficult or emotional situations, often in formal or literary contexts
Reflect & Connect
•How can being imperturbable help someone in their daily life or work?
•Can someone be too imperturbable, and could that ever be a problem? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.She remained imperturbable ___ the loud noise and chaos around her.
2.His imperturbable attitude helped him ___ difficult decisions without stress.
3.Unlike nervous people, imperturbable individuals do not ___ easily.
4.The teacher’s imperturbable calm made the students feel ___ during the exam.
5.When faced with criticism, he was imperturbable and did not ___.
6.Imperturbable people often appear ___ and confident in emergencies.
7.To stay imperturbable, you must learn to control your ___ and reactions.