calm
B1Neutral. Common in all registers from formal to informal.
Definition
Meaning
The absence of strong emotions, disturbance, or violent activity; a state of peace and quiet.
1. (of weather) Pleasantly free from wind. 2. (of a person) Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions. 3. To make someone or something tranquil and quiet.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As an adjective, it describes a state; as a noun, it names the state; as a verb, it is a causative process (to cause to become calm). The word often implies a positive, desirable state of control after agitation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is highly similar. Minor difference: 'Calm down' is slightly more frequent as a phrasal verb in AmE. The noun 'the calm' (e.g., the calm before the storm) is equally common.
Connotations
Identical positive connotations of serenity and control.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] calm sb/sth[V] calm down[Adj] calm and collected[N] a period of calm[V] She calmed the frightened child.[Adj] He remained calm under pressure.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the calm before the storm”
- “calm as a millpond”
- “keep calm and carry on”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe stable market conditions ('calm trading') or a composed leadership style.
Academic
Used in psychology (emotional regulation), meteorology, and literary description.
Everyday
Very common for describing people's moods, weather, and situations. ('Calm down' is a frequent directive.)
Technical
In maritime contexts (sea state), in aviation (calm air), and in medicine (vital signs are calm).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The police tried to calm the crowd.
- Have a cup of tea; it'll calm your nerves.
- The situation eventually calmed down.
American English
- She calmed the barking dog with a treat.
- Just calm down and tell me what happened.
- Market volatility has calmed since Monday.
adverb
British English
- 'It's alright,' he said calmly.
- She walked calmly out of the room.
- The animal ate calmly from his hand.
American English
- He reacted calmly to the bad news.
- Speak calmly and clearly to the operator.
- The children played calmly together.
adjective
British English
- He spoke in a calm, measured tone.
- After the storm, the sea was eerily calm.
- Please remain calm while we evacuate the building.
American English
- She stayed calm during the interview.
- We're looking for a calm neighborhood to live in.
- The weather is supposed to be calm tomorrow.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The lake is very calm today.
- My mother is a calm person.
- Please be calm!
- You need to stay calm in an emergency.
- There was a sudden calm after the argument.
- I listen to music to calm down.
- His calm exterior belied a growing anxiety.
- A period of political calm followed the treaty.
- She managed to calm the hysterical patient.
- The mediator's calm interjections prevented the negotiations from breaking down.
- This lull is merely the calm before the storm of regulatory changes.
- He possesses an imperturbable calm that inspires his team.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a peaceful, calm (khɑːm) PALM tree on a beach with no wind.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEACEFUL WATER IS CALM (a calm lake, a sea of calm); ABSENCE OF STORM IS CALM (weather, emotions).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'комната' (room).
- The adjective 'спокойный' is a good translation, but 'calm' as a verb ('calm down') requires a phrasal verb or reflexive in Russian (успокаиваться).
- Avoid overusing 'quiet' (тихий) for emotional states; 'calm' is more specific.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I tried to calm him to stop shouting.' Correct: 'I tried to calm him down.'
- Incorrect: 'She is very calm person.' Correct: 'She is a very calm person.' (article missing)
- Spelling: Confusing 'calm' with 'cam' or 'calm' (silent L).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common collocation with 'calm'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be all three: adjective (a calm day), noun (the calm after the storm), and verb (to calm a baby).
'Quiet' primarily refers to a lack of noise. 'Calm' refers to a lack of agitation or disturbance, which can apply to emotions, weather, or situations, and may or may not involve quietness.
It can be perceived as patronizing or dismissive if said to someone who is justifiably upset. Softer alternatives include 'Please try to relax' or 'Let's take a moment.'
The 'l' is silent in standard British and American pronunciations (/kɑːm/). It is not pronounced.
Collections
Part of a collection
Emotions and Feelings
A2 · 33 words · Words to describe how you feel.