phlegmatic
UK: flɛɡˈmatɪk | US: flɛɡˈmætɪk
adj. (of a person) having an unemotional and calm disposition
adj. (medicine, historical) relating to or dominated by the humor "phlegm" in ancient physiology
The word "phlegmatic" traces back to the ancient Greek concept of bodily humors, where phlegma referred to mucus or inflammation. In Hippocratic medicine, an excess of phlegm was believed to cause a sluggish, calm temperament. The suffix -atic (via Latin -aticus and Greek -atikos) forms adjectives. Over time, "phlegmatic" evolved from its literal medical sense to describe a personality type—calm to the point of indifference—retaining the logic of its humoral theory roots.
His phlegmatic response to the crisis surprised everyone.
She remained phlegmatic despite the chaotic situation.
The doctor attributed his patient’s fatigue to a phlegmatic constitution.
Phlegmatic individuals often excel in high-pressure jobs.
Her phlegmatic demeanor masked a sharp intellect.