Calm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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calm

[kษ‘หm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or appearance

Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.

Synonyms

collected, composed, tranquil.

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Word Description / Examples
calm

Used when someone is not showing any excitement, anger, or anxiety. Can refer to both people and situations.

  • She remained calm during the emergency.
  • The sea was calm after the storm.
composed

Refers to someone who is very self-controlled and not showing any nervousness or excitement.

  • The athlete remained composed before the big game.
  • She took a deep breath and answered in a composed manner.
collected

Describes someone who is in control of their emotions and actions, often under pressure.

  • Despite the chaos around him, he stayed collected.
  • She gave a collected response after hearing the bad news.
tranquil

Usually describes an environment or scene that is peaceful and quiet, often in a natural setting.

  • The lake was tranquil, with no ripples in sight.
  • They enjoyed a tranquil evening at home.

Examples of usage

  • She had a calm voice.
  • He remained calm under pressure.
Context #2 | Noun

mental state

A peaceful mental state, free from stress or anxiety.

Synonyms

peace, quiet, serenity.

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Word Description / Examples
calm

Used to describe a state or situation without any excitement, disturbance, or strong emotion. It can refer to both mental and physical environments.

  • After the storm passed, the sea was completely calm.
  • She took a deep breath to calm her nerves before the presentation.

Examples of usage

  • Yoga helps me achieve a sense of calm.
  • I need to find my calm before making a decision.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Calmness is often linked to mental well-being, helping to reduce anxiety and stress.
  • Meditation and mindfulness practices are effective methods used to cultivate a state of calm.
  • Research suggests that listening to soothing sounds, like nature sounds, can promote feelings of calm in the brain.

Cultural Significance

  • In various religions, calmness is considered a virtue, promoting inner peace and harmony with others.
  • Japanese Zen gardens are designed to evoke calm feelings through simplicity and natural beauty.
  • The concept of 'serenity' in art often embodies calmness, encouraging viewers to reflect and find peace.

Literature

  • Many poets have used the imagery of calm waters to express peace and tranquility in their works.
  • In novels, calm moments often provide a juxtaposition to dramatic events, highlighting emotional depth.
  • Children's stories frequently feature calm settings to make the narrative more comforting and reassuring.

Science

  • Studies have shown that spending time in nature, known for its calm environments, can lower blood pressure and enhance mood.
  • The physiological effects of calm include lowered heart rate and improved respiratory function.
  • Calmness can also boost the immune system, as relaxation reduces stress hormones that can weaken health.

Origin of 'calm'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'calme,' which has roots in Latin, meaning 'quiet' or 'peaceful.'
  • In many languages, similar words exist that convey tranquility, such as 'tranquillo' in Spanish and 'calme' in French.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, originally describing weather conditions that were stable and without storms.

The word 'calm' originated from the Middle English word 'calme', which came from the Old French 'calme', and ultimately from the Latin 'calmฤre', meaning 'to soothe'. The concept of calmness has been valued throughout history in various cultures, with practices such as meditation and mindfulness aimed at achieving a state of calm.


See also: calmed, calming, calmly, calmness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,823, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.