# calming

/ˈkɑɫmɪŋ/ (US) · /kˈɑːmɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/calming
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. soothing or relaxing

adjective · CEFR B1

making you feel peaceful and less nervous or upset.

For teachers: having a soothing or sedative effect on the mind or body.

- The soft music had a calming effect on the crying baby.
- The therapist recommended a series of calming breathing exercises to help the patient manage their acute anxiety during high-pressure situations.

### 2. the act of becoming quiet

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the process of becoming quiet or peaceful.

For teachers: the action or process of making something more tranquil or the instance of becoming less agitated.

- The calming of the storm allowed the sailors to finally rest.
- The sudden calming of the market after weeks of volatility provided a brief window of opportunity for cautious investors to exit their positions.

## Examples

- The music has a calming effect on me.
- She lit a candle to create a calming atmosphere in the room.
- The rhythmic sound of the waves provided a calming backdrop to his meditation practice.

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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.