# calm

/ˈkɑɫm/ (US) · /kˈɑːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/calm
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. peaceful and relaxed

adjective · CEFR B1

peaceful, quiet, and not worried or angry.

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

- It is important to stay calm during an emergency so you can think clearly.
- Despite the chaotic atmosphere in the courtroom, the witness remained remarkably calm while delivering her testimony.

### 2. still weather or water

adjective · CEFR B1

without wind or waves.

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

- The sea was so calm that it looked like a giant mirror.
- The sailors took advantage of the calm morning to perform routine maintenance on the ship's exterior hull.

### 3. good or okay

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang · British English

good, cool, or alright.

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

- Don't worry about the money, it's calm.
- He told me the situation was calm, so I didn't feel the need to intervene further.

Teaching tip: This usage is specific to Multicultural London English (MLE) and is very informal; learners should avoid it in professional settings.

### 4. to make or become peaceful

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 5. a state of peace

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- There was a sudden calm in the house after the children went to sleep.
- The unexpected calm before the storm allowed the villagers a few precious hours to board up their windows.

## Examples

- The soft music brought a sense of calm to the room.
- Despite the chaos of the city outside, the hidden garden offered a rare moment of calm for the travelers.
- The captain maintained an impressive calm throughout the storm, providing the necessary leadership to guide the vessel safely back to the harbor.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.