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adj. calm·er, calm·est 1. Nearly or completely motionless; undisturbed: the calm surface of the lake. 2. Not excited or agitated; composed: The president was calm throughout the global crisis. n. 1. a. An absence or cessation of motion; stillness. b. A condition of no wind or a wind with a speed of less than 1 knot (1.15 miles per hour; 1.9 kilometers per hour), according to the Beaufort scale. 2. Tranquility or serenity: "an unaccustomed reticence that I took to be the calm that follows rage" (Jeanne Marie Laskas). tr. & intr.v. calmed, calm·ing, calms To make or become calm or quiet: A warm bath will calm you. After the storm, the air calmed. [Middle English calme, from Old French, from Old Italian calmo, from Late Latin cauma, heat of the day, resting place in the heat of the day, from Greek kauma, burning heat, from kaiein, to burn. N., from Middle English calme, from Italian calma, from Vulgar Latin *calma, from Late Latin.] calmly adv. calmness n. Synonyms: calm, peaceful, placid, serene, tranquil These adjectives denote absence of excitement or disturbance: calm acceptance of the inevitable; a peaceful hike through the scenic hills; a soothing, placid temperament; spent a serene, restful weekend at the lake; hoped for a more tranquil life in the country. See Also Synonyms at cool. |
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