[Image credit: Arvind Balaraman]

This month’s word is phlegmatic, pronounced fleg-‘ma-tik.  This is an adjective (used to describe a noun); derivatives include phlegmatical (adjective) and phlegmatically (adverb).  According to the The Free Online Dictionary, the definition of phlegmatic is 1) Of or relating to phlegm; phlegymy or 2) having or suggesting a calm, sluggish temperament; unemotional.  Synonyms include composed, unflappable, apathetic, indifferent, placid, impassive, undemonstrative and matter-of-fact.  Historically speaking, a person with this type of character was said to result from having an overabundance of phlegm.  For the sake of my post; however, the sample sentence is based on the second definition, which reads:  The typically energetic author appeared phlegmatic, showing no emotion upon hearing her book announced as a New York Times Bestseller.  

Do you consider yourself phlegmatic or unemotional when it comes to life?