Word
stillness
Phoneticsstill·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɪɫnəs/
UK/stˈɪlnəs/
Definition
n. a state of being quiet and not moving. You use this to describe a peaceful moment where everything is calm and silent.
n. the state of being motionless or quiet. Often used to describe a peaceful or meditative atmosphere.
Examples
“The stillness of the lake was very peaceful.”
“After the storm passed, a deep stillness settled over the forest as the animals returned to their nests.”
“The artist captured the stillness of the winter morning, using soft brushstrokes to reflect the quiet hush that followed the heavy snowfall.”
Examples
simple
“The stillness of the lake was very peaceful.”
contextual
“After the storm passed, a deep stillness settled over the forest as the animals returned to their nests.”
complex
“The artist captured the stillness of the winter morning, using soft brushstrokes to reflect the quiet hush that followed the heavy snowfall.”
Real-World Examples
“Angelically pretty – she still is – she has a stillness that seems suited to the patient intimacy of the portrait studio.” “His Albert Hall exhibition explored movement and stillness within jazz – “how energetic, but also still, jazz moments can be while I’m taking pictures”.” Etymology
From Middle English stilnesse, from Old English stilnes (“stillness, quiet; absence of noise or disturbance, release, relaxation; silence, abstention from speech; absence of disturbance or molestation, tranquility, peace, security; that which appeases”), equivalent to still + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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