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COMPOSEDLY
Pronunciation (US): | (GB): |
I. (adverb)
Sense 1
Meaning:
In a self-collected or self-possessed manner
Example:
he announced the death of his father collectedly
Synonyms:
collectedly; composedly
Classified under:
Pertainym:
composed (serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress)
Context examples:
I come from your theatre, said he composedly, as he sat down; I found myself in it rather unexpectedly.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
Elizabeth felt all the impertinence of her questions but answered them very composedly.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
Lady Russell had only to listen composedly, and wish them happy, but internally her heart revelled in angry pleasure, in pleased contempt, that the man who at twenty-three had seemed to understand somewhat of the value of an Anne Elliot, should, eight years afterwards, be charmed by a Louisa Musgrove.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
From Harriet's happening not to be at Hartfield, and her father's being present to engage Mr. Elton, she had a quarter of an hour of the lady's conversation to herself, and could composedly attend to her; and the quarter of an hour quite convinced her that Mrs. Elton was a vain woman, extremely well satisfied with herself, and thinking much of her own importance; that she meant to shine and be very superior, but with manners which had been formed in a bad school, pert and familiar; that all her notions were drawn from one set of people, and one style of living; that if not foolish she was ignorant, and that her society would certainly do Mr. Elton no good.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
“Do you know anything more,” said I, standing composedly before her—she had patted me on the shoulder, and sat down in my chair—“of that attachment of Agnes?”
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
After continuing in chat with the party round the fire a few minutes, Miss Crawford returned to the party round the table; and standing by them, seemed to interest herself in their arrangements till, as if struck by a sudden recollection, she exclaimed, My good friends, you are most composedly at work upon these cottages and alehouses, inside and out; but pray let me know my fate in the meanwhile.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
Elizabeth found herself quite equal to the scene, and could observe the three ladies before her composedly.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
My aunt was mightily amused, when we began to talk composedly, by my account of my meeting with Mr. Chillip, and of his holding her in such dread remembrance; and both she and Peggotty had a great deal to say about my poor mother's second husband, and that murdering woman of a sister,—on whom I think no pain or penalty would have induced my aunt to bestow any Christian or Proper Name, or any other designation.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
All the rest of that day, and from morning to night afterwards, she sat at that desk, scratching composedly with a hard pen, speaking in the same imperturbable whisper to everybody; never relaxing a muscle of her face, or softening a tone of her voice, or appearing with an atom of her dress astray.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
This, and a few moments' reflection, pacified her; but she was not at all disconcerted by what she had done (though I cannot say as much for her bonnet) and resumed her seat composedly.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)