cool-headed
cool-headed — adjective
1. able to keep calm and make good decisions when things go wrong or when there is
able to keep calm and make good decisions when things go wrong or when there is a lot of pressure
Antonia stayed cool-headed when the kitchen fire broke out and guided everyone outside.
stay cool-headed + when-clause for an emergency
The pilot's cool-headed response to the engine failure saved everyone on board.
attributive: cool-headed + response (a person's calm action)
Wei remained cool-headed during the heated debate and answered each question carefully.
Even as the storm grew worse, the captain gave cool-headed orders to the crew.
Adaeze made a cool-headed decision to turn back when she saw the flood waters rising.
- level-headed
very close in meaning but emphasises practical good judgment rather than just emotional control
- composed
more formal; focuses on outward control of emotions rather than active decision-making
- unflappable
more informal; suggests nothing at all can disturb or shake the person
- hot-headed
easily angered or excited; the natural opposite of cool-headed
- panicky
likely to lose control and make poor choices under pressure
用法筆記
Typically used after stay, remain, or keep rather than be. Also common before nouns (a cool-headed decision, a cool-headed response).