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calm

adj. · v. · n.
US //ˈkɑɫm// UK //kˈɑːm// calm
  1. 1 peaceful and relaxed (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    peaceful, quiet, and not worried or angry.

    characterised by a lack of agitation, excitement, or negative emotional disturbance.

    Example

    It is important to stay calm during an emergency so you can think clearly.

    Example

    Despite the chaotic atmosphere in the courtroom, the witness remained remarkably calm while delivering her testimony.
  2. 2 still weather or water (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    without wind or waves.

    describing a body of water with a smooth surface or an atmosphere lacking significant wind.

    Example

    The sea was so calm that it looked like a giant mirror.

    Example

    The sailors took advantage of the calm morning to perform routine maintenance on the ship's exterior hull.
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  1. 3 good or okay (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang British English

    good, cool, or alright.

    used to express that something is acceptable, satisfactory, or of good quality.

    Example

    Don't worry about the money, it's calm.

    Example

    He told me the situation was calm, so I didn't feel the need to intervene further.

    Teacher's tip

    This usage is specific to Multicultural London English (MLE) and is very informal; learners should avoid it in professional settings.
  2. 4 to make or become peaceful (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to stop feeling angry, upset, or excited, or to help someone else do this.

    to reduce agitation or excitement in oneself or another person. Often used with the particle 'down'.

    Example

    The mother tried to calm her crying baby by singing a soft song.

    Example

    The mediator worked tirelessly to calm the opposing parties before the formal negotiations began.

    Usage

    Commonly used as a phrasal verb 'calm down' in both transitive and intransitive contexts.
  3. 5 a state of peace (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a period of time or a feeling that is peaceful and quiet.

    a state of tranquility or the absence of disturbance, whether emotional or atmospheric.

    Example

    There was a sudden calm in the house after the children went to sleep.

    Example

    The unexpected calm before the storm allowed the villagers a few precious hours to board up their windows.
Origin

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”).

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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