English Reference

Word

serene

US/sɝˈin/

UK/səɹˈiːn/

Definitions

01calm and peaceful

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. calm, peaceful, and quiet in a way that makes you feel relaxed.

adj. characterised by tranquility and a lack of disturbance; often applied to landscapes or atmospheres.

“The lake looked serene in the early morning light before the tourists arrived.”

“The monastery was built in a serene valley, far removed from the noise and frantic pace of the modern city.”

Antonyms

02without worry

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. feeling or showing that you are not worried or upset by anything.

adj. unaffected by disturbance or anxiety; possessing a stable and composed temperament.

“Despite the chaos around her, she remained serene and focused on her work.”

“He maintained a serene expression throughout the difficult negotiations, never allowing his frustration to show to the opposing team.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

03in formal titles

C2 · Proficiency Formal

adj. a word used in the official titles of some members of royal families.

adj. used as a formal honorific in certain royal or princely titles to indicate high rank or sovereignty.

“The letter was addressed to His Serene Highness the Prince of Monaco.”

“Protocol required that the visiting dignitaries address the monarch as 'Your Serene Highness' during the formal state banquet.”

04clear weather

C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary

adj. describing a sky that is clear and has no clouds.

adj. referring to weather or skies that are fair, clear, and unobscured by clouds or mist.

“They sailed under a serene summer sky without a single cloud in sight.”

“The poet described the serene heavens of the Mediterranean, where the stars shone with a brilliance unknown in the north.”

Synonyms

clearuncloudedbright

Antonyms

Word family

ADJECTIVE

serene(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference