calm

SayKAHM/kɑm/UK/kɑːm/

Verbcalms, calming, calmed

Noun pluralcalms (some meanings)

7 meanings of calm

Practice

1
not upsetadjective
Feeling relaxed and not angry, worried, or upset.
Like a quiet lake with no waves on it.
She stayed calm even when the news was bad.
He spoke in a calm voice to the frightened child.
UsageSay stay calm. She spoke calmly.
Similarcomposed, collected, serene, unruffled, relaxed
Oppositenervous, anxious, stressed
2
sootheverbtransitive
To make someone or something quiet and relaxed, or to become quiet and relaxed.
Like patting a scared dog until it settles down.
She tried to calm her baby before bedtime.
A few kind words can calm an angry customer.
UsageSay calm down when someone is upset.
Similarsoothe, settle, pacify, steady, quiet
Oppositeagitate, upset, alarm, disturb
Note
3
peace of mindnoununcountable
A feeling of being peaceful, with no worry, anger, or fear.
Like still water inside you that nothing pushes around.
She took a deep breath and found her calm again.
Deep breathing helps me find a sense of calm before a big test.
UsageSay a sense of calm.
Similarcomposure, serenity, peace, tranquility, equanimity
Oppositeanxiety, agitation, panic, turmoil
Note
4
quiet placeadjective
Quiet and peaceful, with nothing loud or upsetting going on.
Like a quiet morning before anyone wakes up.
The library was calm and perfect for studying.
We found a calm spot away from the busy street.
UsageSay calmer and calmest.
Similarquiet, peaceful, tranquil, still, restful
Oppositedisturbed
Note
5
smooth (water)adjective
Of the weather, with no wind or storms. Of water, flat and still with no waves.
Like a mirror lying flat on the ground.
The lake was calm and looked like glass.
We swam in the calm water near the shore.
Similarstill, smooth, tranquil, placid, peaceful
Oppositerough, stormy, choppy, windy
6
nouncountable or uncountable
A time of quiet, with no noise or trouble.
Like the quiet after everyone has gone home.
We enjoyed the calm of the early morning.
After rush hour, a welcome calm settled over the city.
UsageSay the calm of the night.
Similarpeace, quiet, stillness, tranquility, hush
Oppositenoise, commotion, bustle, uproar

Less common meaning

7
no windnouncountable
A time when there is no wind at all.
Like the air outside on a day when not even the leaves move.
The boat sat still during the calm.
Sailors dreaded a long calm with no wind to move them.
UsageOften used in the phrase a dead calm.
Similarlull, stillness
Oppositewind, gale, storm
Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of calm apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It came through French from an Italian word, which may come from a Latin and Greek word meaning the heat of the midday sun.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts

Calm entered English through French from Italian. en.wiktionary.org
Its possible earlier sources are Latin cauma and Greek kaûma, referring to the sun's heat. en.wiktionary.org