calm
Peaceful and free from agitation or strong emotion.
Word facts
Definition
Calm describes a state of peace and quiet, free from agitation, excitement, or strong emotion. As a verb, to calm means to make or become less anxious or disturbed.
Usage: Calm describes both external conditions (a calm sea) and internal states (a calm mind). Serene implies a deeper, more lasting peace. Tranquil is often used for settings.
Example sentences
Despite the chaos around her, she remained completely calm.
He took a deep breath to calm his nerves before speaking.
The lake was perfectly calm in the early morning light.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
From Old French calme and Italian calma ('stillness, quiet'), possibly from Greek kauma ('heat of the day') — the hottest part of the day when everything is still.
The 'l' in calm is silent — and silence itself is calm.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
Is the l in calm silent?
Yes. Calm is pronounced KAHM — the l is silent, like palm and psalm.
What is the noun form of calm?
Calmness is the main noun. Calm itself can also be used as a noun: 'a sudden calm fell over the crowd'.