calm

[kahm, kahlm]

adjective

calmer, calmest 

1. without rough motion; still or nearly still.

   a calm sea.

   Synonyms: motionless, quiet

2. not windy or stormy.

   a calm day.

   Antonyms: tempestuous

3. free from excitement or passion; tranquil.

   a calm face;

   a calm manner.

   Synonyms: self-possessed, serene, unruffled, placid
   Antonyms: agitated

noun

1. freedom from motion or disturbance; stillness.

2. Meteorology.,  wind speed of less than 1 mile per hour (0.447 meter per second).

3. freedom from agitation, excitement, or passion; tranquility; serenity.

   We look forward to the calm of the island after the summer residents have all returned to the mainland.

   She faced the possibility of death with complete calm.

verb (used with object)

1. to make calm.

   He calmed the excited dog.

   Synonyms: soften, soothe, mollify, assuage, allay, tranquilize, quiet, still

verb (used without object)

1. to become calm (usually followed bydown ).

calm

/ kɑːm /

adjective

1. almost without motion; still

   a calm sea

2. meteorol of force 0 on the Beaufort scale; without wind

3. not disturbed, agitated, or excited; under control

   he stayed calm throughout the confusion

4. tranquil; serene

   a calm voice

noun

1. an absence of disturbance or rough motion; stillness

2. absence of wind

3. tranquillity

verb

1. (often foll by down) to make or become calm

Other Word Forms

• calmingly adverb
• calmly adverb
• calmness noun
• quasi-calm adjective
• uncalm adjective
• uncalmness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of calm¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English noun and adjective calm(e), from Italian calma (noun), calmo (adjective), from Late Latin cauma “summer heat” (with l perhaps from Latin calēre “to be hot”), from Greek kaûma (stem kaumat- ) “burning heat”; akin to kaíein “to burn” ( caustic ); verb derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of calm¹

C14: from Old French calme, from Old Italian calma, from Late Latin cauma heat, hence a rest during the heat of the day, from Greek kauma heat, from kaiein to burn

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. calm before the storm. calm before the storm.

Synonym Study

Calm, collected, composed, cool imply the absence of agitation. Calm implies an unruffled state, especially under disturbing conditions: calm in a crisis. Collected implies complete inner command of oneself, usually as the result of an effort: He remained collected in spite of the excitement. One who is composed has or has gained dignified self-possession: pale but composed. Cool implies clarity of judgment along with apparent absence of strong feeling or excitement, especially in circumstances of danger or strain: so cool that he seemed calm.

Example Sentences

Earlier, Downing Street made clear Rachel Reeves wasn't going - a move to calm the markets - but it hinted at the breadth and depth of the reshuffle to come.

From BBC

But he can also be as calm and understanding as a high school counselor, making him a good fit for one of the youngest rosters in the major leagues.

From Los Angeles Times

"What sets Gil apart is not just his talent but the calm maturity he brings to every situation," said Pimenta.

From BBC

I’m sending them much love and strength and I hope this situation calms down soon.

From Los Angeles Times

She said she witnessed children being rescued, and tried to help people with broken bones and to calm those in distress.

From BBC

Related Words

• allay 
• alleviate 
• appease 
• assuage 
• cool 
• mitigate 
• mollify 
• pacify 
• placate 
• quiet 
• relax 
• relieve 
• settle 
• soothe 
• steady 

When To Use

What does calm mean?

Calm describes something that is still or barely moving, like a pond or a lake.Calm can also describe something that is relaxed or free from excitement, as in Yolanda felt calmer after meditating for a few minutes.Calm can also be used to describe the weather. A calm day isn’t windy or stormy. In meteorology, calm is a wind speed that is less than 1 mile per hour.As a noun, calm typically describes a lack of motion or a stillness in an area where there once was motion or there will be motion.Calm can also describe a notable lack of excitement or agitation that was expected to be caused, as in Roberta believed the only way to approach a big task was with calm and patience.Finally, as a verb, to calm something or someone means to bring it to a pause. You might calm your barking dog by petting it and talking to it in a soothing voice. You might calm an angry friend by talking with them quietly and listening to what’s bothering them.Example: When you feel nervous in front of a crowd, try to look calm and you’ll soon feel calm.