First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1calm
noun \ˈkäm, ˈkälm, ˈkam, ˈkȯ(l)m\
: a quiet and peaceful state or condition
: a peaceful mental or emotional state
Full Definition of CALM
1
a : a period or condition of freedom from storms, high winds, or rough activity of water b : complete absence of wind or presence of wind having a speed no greater than one mile (1.6 kilometers) per hour — see beaufort scale table
2
: a state of tranquillity
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See calm defined for kids
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Origin of CALM
Middle English calme, probably ultimately from Old Spanish calma, from Late Latin cauma heat, from Greek kauma, from kaiein to burn
Related to CALM
- Synonyms
- calmness, hush, peace, peacefulness, placidity, quiet, quietness, quietude, repose, restfulness, sereneness, serenity, still, stillness, tranquillity (or tranquility)
- Antonyms
- bustle, commotion, hubbub, hurly-burly, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil, unquietness, unrest, uproar
2calm
verb
: to become or to cause (someone) to become less upset, emotional, excited, etc.
: to become or to cause (something) to become less active, violent, forceful, etc.
Full Definition of CALM
intransitive verb
: to become calm —usually used with down
transitive verb
: to make calm —often used with down
See calm defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CALM
14th century
3calm
adjective
: not angry, upset, excited, etc.
—used to describe weather that is not windy, stormy, etc.
Full Definition of CALM
1
: marked by calm : still <a calm sea>
2
: free from agitation, excitement, or disturbance
— calm·ly adverb
— calm·ness noun
See calm defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CALM
14th century
Related to CALM
Synonym Discussion of CALM
calm, tranquil, serene, placid, peaceful mean quiet and free from disturbance. calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence <the protests ended, and the streets were calm again>. tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure <the tranquil beauty of a formal garden>. serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquillity <watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening>. placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency <remained placid despite the criticism>. peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil <grown peaceful in old age>.
CALMLY Defined for Kids
1calm
noun \ˈkäm, ˈkälm\
Definition of CALM for Kids
1
: a period or condition of freedom from storm, wind, or rough water
2
: a quiet and peaceful state <We enjoyed the calm of the countryside.>
2calm
verb
calmedcalm·ing
Definition of CALM for Kids
: to make or become less active or disturbed —often used with down <The music calmed her.> <The winds calmed down overnight.>
3calm
adjective
calm·ercalm·est
Definition of CALM for Kids
1
: not stormy or windy <a calm night>
2
: not excited or upset <a calm reply> <Please remain calm.>
— calm·ly adverb <spoke calmly>
— calm·ness noun
Synonym Discussion of CALM
calm, peaceful, and tranquil mean quiet and free from disturbance. calm is used when someone is not excited or upset even when there is cause for it. <They stayed calm during the fire.> peaceful is used when someone or something has reached a quiet state after some period of disturbance. <The storm is over and the lake is peaceful again.> tranquil is used for a total or lasting state of rest. <They stopped at a tranquil garden.>
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