Phlegmatic
hardNeutral tonefleg-MAT-ik
adjective
Definition
having an unemotional, stolidly calm disposition
Memory hook
PHLEGMATIC comes from 'phlegm', the sluggish bodily humor. Picture someone so unbothered they yawn through an earthquake: slow, calm, unemotional.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Even as alarms blared, the phlegmatic pilot calmly ran through her checklist.”
“His phlegmatic response to the shocking news unnerved everyone in the room.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Even as alarms blared, the ______ pilot calmly ran through her checklist.”
Show answer
phlegmatic
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Phlegmatic is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "stolid" or "unemotional" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "excitable".
Related GRE Words
stolid
showing little or no emotion; impassive
impassive
showing no emotion or expression
stoic
showing endurance of hardship without complaint or visible emotion
equanimity
mental calmness and composure, especially under stress
imperturbable
unable to be upset or agitated; calm
irascible
easily angered; quick-tempered
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