WordGarden.iocalm
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈɑːm/
US
- /ˈkɑlm/
Meanings
Adjective
not upset, nervous, angry, or excited
quiet and free from busy activity or disturbance
with little or no wind, waves, or rough weather
Verb
to make someone or something less upset, excited, or active
Noun
a peaceful state or period without agitation or disturbance
a windless or still condition of air or water
Beyond the definition
Imagine standing by a still lake at dawn—do you feel that sense of quiet peace? That is calm. It describes a state of tranquility where things are neither chaotic nor disturbed. A calm sea is smooth and gentle, while a calm person is someone who isn't easily upset. You might seek calm in moments of stress by practicing deep breathing or listening to soothing music. Sometimes, even a temporary calm—like the "eye of the storm"—can offer a brief respite before things become turbulent again.
Think of it as the opposite of being frantic or agitated. A calm demeanor is often seen as a strength, allowing you to think clearly and react thoughtfully. You might describe a peaceful forest as "calm" or ask someone to "stay calm" during an emergency.
Calm describes a state of peace, quiet, and tranquility—both internally within a person and externally in the environment. It is more than just the absence of busyness; it is a positive feeling of serenity and composure. For example: "The yoga session left her feeling calm and centered," or "Despite the chaos, he remained remarkably calm."
The word can describe a physical state—like a "calm sea" with gentle waves—but also an emotional one. A person who is calm doesn't get easily flustered or anxious; they are able to handle stress with grace. You might say someone has a "calm disposition" if they generally approach life with peacefulness.
Linguistically, "calm" is versatile, functioning as an adjective, a noun, or a verb. As a noun, it refers to the state itself: "She found calm in meditation." As a verb, it means to soothe or make someone more peaceful: "He tried to calm his crying baby."
Interestingly, "calm" can also carry an unsettling connotation in certain idioms. Describing a situation as a "dead calm" suggests an absolute, eerie stillness that can hint at potential danger lurking beneath the surface. This usage stems from sailing terminology, where a dead calm meant there was no wind to move the ship forward. Whether describing a peaceful landscape, a tranquil mind, or the act of soothing someone's nerves, "calm" speaks to a state of quietude and composure—a welcome respite from the storms of life.
Examples
- 1
Conflict
She stayed calm while everyone else was arguing.
- 2
Patient care
He has a calm voice that makes patients feel safe.
- 3
Weather
By evening, the sea was calm again.
- 4
Under pressure
It is easier to make good decisions if you keep calm under pressure.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Soothing someone
The teacher spoke slowly to calm the children.
- Patterncalm someone
make that person less upset or nervous
- 6
Phrasal verb
Give him a minute to calm down.
- Phrasecalm down
become less upset or excited
- 7
Inner feeling
Yoga helps me feel a sense of calm after a long day.
- 8
Before trouble
There was a strange calm before the storm.
- Phrasethe calm before the storm
a quiet time just before trouble starts
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- calmnounverbadjective
Forms
- calming-ing formverbnounadjective
- calmedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- calmercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- calmsverbnounadjective
- calmestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun