phlegmatic

IPA/fleɡˈmætɪk/
KK[flɛɡmˈætɪk]IPA/fleɡˈmætɪk/

phlegmatic — adjective

  • phlegmaticpositive
  • more phlegmaticcomparative
  • most phlegmaticsuperlative

1. describes a person who stays calm and does not let their feelings show, even whe

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes a person who stays calm and does not let their feelings show, even when facing situations that make other people angry, worried, or excited

例句

Mizuki remained phlegmatic when the train broke down for the third time that week.

remain + phlegmatic for calm reaction to repeated difficulty

The phlegmatic nurse handled the emergency calmly while everyone else rushed around in a panic.

同義詞
  • stoic

    emphasises enduring pain or hardship without complaining; implies active self-control rather than natural calm

  • impassive

    refers specifically to a blank facial expression; someone can be impassive while feeling strong emotions inside

  • unflappable

    more informal register; suggests staying calm under pressure, especially in chaotic situations

  • stolid

    suggests a slow, dull lack of reaction that phlegmatic does not necessarily carry

反義詞
  • emotional

    shows strong feelings freely, the opposite of keeping feelings hidden

  • excitable

    easily becomes excited or upset, contrasting with a calm steady nature

用法筆記

Formal or literary in register. Describes a person's stable character, not a temporary mood — you would not say 'I feel phlegmatic today.' The word is often followed by 'about' or 'in the face of' to specify the triggering situation.

常見錯誤

❌He was phlegmatic today because he slept well.
✅He has a phlegmatic temperament and rarely gets angry.
💡phlegmatic describes a stable personality trait, not a temporary state.