Calm vs. Placid — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 14, 2023
Calm refers to a state of peace and quietness, while placid means serenely free of disturbance or interruption, often used for surfaces or temperaments.
Difference Between Calm and Placid
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Calm and Placid are two words frequently used to describe tranquility and peace. While calm generally denotes a lack of noise, wind, or disturbance, placid often suggests a deep-seated quietude, particularly describing surfaces like water or someone's temperament.
In everyday use, calm can refer to both an environment and an emotional state. For instance, one might remark on a calm day when there's no wind or on a person's calm demeanor. Placid, however, leans more towards describing something or someone unflappable and smoothly undisturbed.
While calm can be seen as a temporary state, like the aftermath of a storm or a momentary break in a chaotic day, placid often indicates a more enduring, inherent quality. A placid lake, for example, remains largely undisturbed over longer periods.
The term calm may also imply an absence of agitation or excitement. For example, when someone is advised to "stay calm," it refers to keeping emotions in check. Placid, in a similar vein, can describe someone who remains steady and undisturbed, even in stressful situations.
Though both words revolve around quietness and serenity, calm is more versatile and broadly used, whereas placid brings in a depth, suggesting deeper serenity and often used in specific contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Lack of noise or disturbance
Deep-seated quietude, especially of a surface or temperament.
Usage
Both environment and emotion
Primarily surfaces or temperaments
Duration
Can be temporary
Suggests more enduring quality
Implication
Absence of agitation or excitement
Inherent steadiness, undisturbed
Contextual Preference
Broadly used
Specific contexts, e.g., describing water or demeanor
Compare with Definitions
Calm
Free from agitation or disturbance.
The forest was calm and silent at dawn.
Placid
Even-tempered and steady.
His placid demeanor was comforting.
Calm
Lacking in excitement or activity.
The town had a calm atmosphere.
Placid
Not easily upset or excited.
He has a placid nature, rarely getting angry.
Calm
Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions
She had to keep calm at all costs
His voice was calm
Placid
Smooth, with no interruptions or disturbances.
The placid surface of the lake was like a mirror.
Calm
(of the weather) pleasantly free from wind
The night was clear and calm
Placid
Calm and peaceful, with little movement.
The placid waters reflected the clear sky.
Calm
The absence of strong emotions; calm feelings
His usual calm deserted him
Placid
Placid is a masculine given name, and may refer to:
Calm
The absence of wind
In the centre of the storm calm prevailed
Placid
Undisturbed by tumult or disorder; calm or quiet
Led a placid life.
Calm
Make (someone) tranquil and quiet; soothe
I took him inside and tried to calm him down
Placid
Not agitated physically; not disturbed
A placid stream.
Calm
Nearly or completely motionless; undisturbed
The calm surface of the lake.
Placid
Not easily upset or excited; mild or complacent
A placid demeanor.
Calm
Not excited or agitated; composed
The president was calm throughout the global crisis.
Placid
Calm and quiet; peaceful; tranquil
A placid disposition
A placid lake
Calm
An absence or cessation of motion; stillness.
Placid
Pleased; contented; unruffied; undisturbed; serene; peaceful; tranquil; quiet; gentle.
Calm
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.
Placid
Free from disturbance;
A ribbon of sand between the angry sea and the placid bay
The quiet waters of a lagoon
A lake of tranquil blue water reflecting a tranquil blue sky
A smooth channel crossing
Scarcely a ripple on the still water
Unruffled water
Calm
Tranquility or serenity
"an unaccustomed reticence that I took to be the calm that follows rage" (Jeanne Marie Laskas).
Placid
Not easily irritated;
An equable temper
Not everyone shared his placid temperament
Remained placid despite the repeated delays
Calm
To make or become calm or quiet
A warm bath will calm you. After the storm, the air calmed.
Placid
Without untoward incident or disruption;
A placid existence
Quiet times
Calm
(of a person) Peaceful, quiet, especially free from anger and anxiety.
Placid
Taking life easy;
An easygoing man rarely stirred to anger
An air of placid sufficiency
Calm
(of a place or situation) Free of noise and disturbance.
Placid
Not showing or feeling disturbance or excitement.
She had a placid expression, undisturbed by the chaos.
Calm
(of water) with few or no waves on the surface; not rippled.
Calm
Without wind or storm.
Calm
(in a person) The state of being calm; peacefulness; absence of worry, anger, fear or other strong negative emotion.
Calm
(in a place or situation) The state of being calm; absence of noise and disturbance.
Calm
A period of time without wind.
Calm
(transitive) To make calm.
To calm a crying baby
To calm the passions
Calm
(intransitive) To become calm.
Calm
Freedom from motion, agitation, or disturbance; a cessation or absence of that which causes motion or disturbance, as of winds or waves; tranquility; stillness; quiet; serenity.
The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
A calm before a storm is commonly a peace of a man's own making.
Calm
To make calm; to render still or quiet, as elements; as, to calm the winds.
To calm the tempest raised by Eolus.
Calm
To deliver from agitation or excitement; to still or soothe, as the mind or passions.
Passions which seem somewhat calmed.
Calm
Not stormy; without motion, as of winds or waves; still; quiet; serene; undisturbed.
Now all is calm, and fresh, and still.
Calm
Undisturbed by passion or emotion; not agitated or excited; tranquil; quiet in act or speech.
Such calm old age as conscience pureAnd self-commanding hearts ensure.
Calm
Steadiness of mind under stress;
He accepted their problems with composure and she with equanimity
Calm
Make calm or still;
Quiet the dragons of worry and fear
Calm
Make steady;
Steady yourself
Calm
Become quiet or calm, especially after a state of agitation;
After the fight both men need to cool off.
It took a while after the baby was born for things to settle down again.
Calm
Cause to be calm or quiet as by administering a sedative to;
The patient must be sedated before the operation
Calm
Not agitated; without losing self-possession;
Spoke in a calm voice
Remained calm throughout the uproar
Calm
Characterized by absence of emotional agitation;
Calm acceptance of the inevitable
Remained serene in the midst of turbulence
A serene expression on her face
She became more tranquil
Tranquil life in the country
Calm
(of weather) free from storm or wind;
Calm seas
Calm
Marked by freedom from agitation or excitement;
The rioters gradually became calm and slowly dispersed
Calm
Not showing or feeling nervousness or anger.
She remained calm even under pressure.
Calm
Absence of strong winds or storms.
The sea was calm, perfect for sailing.
Calm
Peaceful mental or emotional state.
Yoga helps maintain a calm mind.
Common Curiosities
Is Placid used to describe personalities?
Yes, a placid individual is typically even-tempered and not easily upset.
Can Calm describe a person's emotion?
Yes, someone can feel or appear calm, indicating a lack of agitation.
What does Calm mean?
Calm refers to a state of peace and quietness, lacking disturbance.
Which word indicates a more temporary state of peace?
Calm can indicate a more temporary state, whereas placid often suggests enduring tranquility.
How is Placid different from Calm?
Placid suggests a deeper, often inherent serenity, especially used for surfaces or temperaments.
Which term is broader in use?
Calm is more versatile and broadly used compared to placid.
Can you describe a place as Placid?
Yes, a location with serene, undisturbed surroundings can be described as placid.
Does Calm always refer to silence?
No, calm can also refer to an absence of emotional or mental disturbance.
What's a synonym for Placid?
Serene or tranquil can be synonyms for placid.
Can both words describe water?
Yes, calm seas and placid lakes both depict peaceful water bodies without disturbances.
Is it correct to say "calm waters"?
Yes, "calm waters" means water without much disturbance or movement.
How do you describe a calm response?
A response that's measured, without overt emotion or agitation, can be described as calm.
Is Placid ever used in negative contexts?
It's neutral, but in some contexts, being placid can be interpreted as being too passive.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
