imperturbably
UK[ˌɪmpəˈtɜːbəbli]US[ˌɪmpərˈtɜːrbəbli]
adv
in a calm and steady manner; not easily upset or excited.
Morpheme Breakdown
im
perturb
ably
im
not
perturb
to disturb
ably
in a manner of
Etymology
The word "imperturbably" is built upon the latin verb perturbare, meaning "to throw into disorder," which itself combines per- (thoroughly) and turbare (to disturb, from turba, meaning "crowd" or "commotion"). The negative prefix im- (a form of in- before 'p') was added to form "imperturbable," meaning "not able to be disturbed." The adverbial suffix -ably was then appended in english to create the adverb describing the manner of being unflappable. Thus, the literal sense of "not able to be thoroughly disturbed" evolved into the modern abstract meaning of maintaining calm composure under pressure.
Analysis
Structure: im (not) + perturb (to disturb) + ably (in a manner of)
- im: a latin prefix meaning "not" or "without".
- perturb: from latin perturbare, meaning "to throw into confusion, disturb".
- ably: an english adverbial suffix derived from latin -abilis, indicating capability or manner.
Examples
the captain steered the ship imperturbably through the violent storm.
despite the intense questioning, the diplomat answered imperturbably.
she waited imperturbably for the results, her face a mask of serene patience.