WordGarden.iosedately
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /sɪdˈeɪtli/
US
- /sɪˈdeɪtli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a calm, composed, and unhurried way
in a restrained, sober, or understated style
Beyond the definition
Imagine an elderly woman gliding through a garden party, not rushing or flustered, but moving with quiet grace and composure. That is what it means to move sedately. It describes someone or something that moves in a calm, dignified, and unhurried way. You would not describe a chaotic street race as moving sedately; you might, however, describe a stately old ship sailing sedately across the harbor. The word gives a feeling of peacefulness and control. Think of it as the opposite of moving frantically or in a hurry.
To move or behave sedately is to do so in a calm, dignified, and unhurried way. It suggests a deliberate pace and an air of composure, often associated with maturity, grace, or formality. The word comes from the Latin sedatus, meaning "calmed" or "settled."
You might describe someone walking sedately through a crowded room, maintaining their poise despite the bustle around them. You could also describe a formal procession moving sedately through a city street, with everyone keeping a slow, steady pace. It's not just about physical movement; it can also apply to behavior or speech. You might speak sedately, keeping your tone calm and measured, without loud outbursts or frantic energy.
Historically, the root word "sedate" was sometimes used in a medical context to describe someone calmed by medication—hence the connection to tranquility. While the related term "sedated" is the standard medical usage today, the adverb sedately preserves the core meaning of being settled and peaceful in one's actions.
So, if you want to convey an image of calm grace, dignified movement, or unhurried composure, sedately is the perfect word to use. It's a subtle but powerful way to paint a picture of tranquility and control.
Examples
- 1
Animal movement
After lunch, the old dog walked sedately back to its bed.
- 2
Calm movement
She crossed the room sedately, while the children ran past her.
- 3
Public response
He answered the reporter's questions sedately, never sounding annoyed.
- 4
Formal dress
For the wedding, they chose to dress sedately in dark colors.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Pace of life
Life moves more sedately in the village than it does in the city.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- walk sedately
- move sedately
- proceed sedately
Word family
- sedate
- sedateness
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sedatelyadverb