Calm.
Synonyms:
| collected, | imperturbable, | sedate, | still, |
| composed, | peaceful, | self-possessed, | tranquil, |
| cool, | placid, | serene, | undisturbed, |
| dispassionate, | quiet, | smooth, | unruffled. |
That is calm which is free from disturbance or agitation; in the physical sense, free from violent motion or action; in the mental or spiritual realm, free from excited or disturbing emotion or passion. We speak of a calm sea, a placid lake, a serene sky, a still night, a quiet day, a quiet home. We speak, also, of "still waters," "smooth sailing," which are different modes of expressing freedom from manifest agitation. Of mental conditions, one is calm who triumphs over a tendency to excitement; cool, if he scarcely feels the tendency. One may be calm by the very reaction from excitement, or by the oppression of overpowering emotion, as we speak of the calmness of despair. One is composed who has subdued excited feeling; he is collected when he has every thought, feeling, or perception awake and at command. Tranquil refers to a present state, placid, to a prevailing tendency. We speak of a tranquil mind, a placid disposition. The serene spirit dwells as if in the clear upper air, above all storm and shadow.
The star of the unconquered will,
He rises in my breast,
Serene, and resolute, and still,
And calm, and self-possessed.
Longfellow Light of Stars st. 7.
Antonyms:
| agitated, | excited, | frenzied, | passionate, | ruffled, | violent, |
| boisterous, | fierce, | furious, | raging, | stormy, | wild, |
| disturbed, | frantic, | heated, | roused, | turbulent, | wrathful. |