calm
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.peaceful, quiet, and not worried or angry.
adj.characterised by a lack of agitation, excitement, or negative emotional disturbance.
Simple“It is important to stay calm during an emergency so you can think clearly.”
In context“Despite the chaotic atmosphere in the courtroom, the witness remained remarkably calm while delivering her testimony.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
adj.without wind or waves.
adj.describing a body of water with a smooth surface or an atmosphere lacking significant wind.
Simple“The sea was so calm that it looked like a giant mirror.”
In context“The sailors took advantage of the calm morning to perform routine maintenance on the ship's exterior hull.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
adj.good, cool, or alright.
adj.used to express that something is acceptable, satisfactory, or of good quality.
Simple“Don't worry about the money, it's calm.”
In context“He told me the situation was calm, so I didn't feel the need to intervene further.”
Teacher's tipThis usage is specific to Multicultural London English (MLE) and is very informal; learners should avoid it in professional settings.
- 04 B1 Intermediate
v.to stop feeling angry, upset, or excited, or to help someone else do this.
v.to reduce agitation or excitement in oneself or another person. Often used with the particle 'down'.
Simple“The mother tried to calm her crying baby by singing a soft song.”
In context“The mediator worked tirelessly to calm the opposing parties before the formal negotiations began.”
UsageCommonly used as a phrasal verb 'calm down' in both transitive and intransitive contexts.
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a period of time or a feeling that is peaceful and quiet.
n.a state of tranquility or the absence of disturbance, whether emotional or atmospheric.
Simple“There was a sudden calm in the house after the children went to sleep.”
In context“The unexpected calm before the storm allowed the villagers a few precious hours to board up their windows.”
Synonyms
From Middle English calm, calme, from Middle French calme, probably from Old Italian calma, of uncertain origin. Calma may derive from Late Latin cauma (“heat of the midday sun”), from Ancient Greek καῦμα (kaûma, “heat, especially of the sun”), from καίω (kaíō, “to burn”), or possibly from Latin caleō. Compare also Lombardic chalm, chalma (“frozenness”), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *kalmaz (“frozenness, cold”). Displaced native Middle English smilte (“quiet, still, gentle”) from Old English smylte (“quiet, tranquil, calm, serene”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.