calm
The word “calm” is used to describe peacefulness or a lack of anger, especially in the face of a threat or danger. (Try not to pronounce the “l” in “calm.”)
In these sentences, “calm” is an adjective:
- The lake looks calm today. There are no waves.
- Everyone remained calm during the emergency. There was no yelling or screaming.
- The teacher addressed the unruly students in a calm manner.
The word “calm” is also used as a verb:
- You should calm down.
- The baby was calmed by his mother’s voice.
- Music calms the savage beast.
The word “calmly” is an adverb.
- The young man answered the questions calmly and without hesitation.
- The priest spoke calmly during the service.
- The sound of the ocean has a calming effect on people. (The word “calming” is also used as an adjective.)
You can use “calmness” as a noun:
- Only time could bring a sense of calmness back to the community following the riots.
- Our manager is known for his calmness when he’s under pressure.
A river has a calming effect on people who live nearby.