Calm vs. Serene — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 21, 2024
Calm generally denotes a lack of disturbance or agitation, often used in both emotional and environmental contexts; serene implies a deeper, more profound peace and tranquility, often with a sense of beauty.
Difference Between Calm and Serene
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Key Differences
Calm often refers to a state where there is an absence of excitement, turmoil, or strong emotions, making it applicable in contexts like a calm day or a calm demeanor. Serene, on the other hand, goes a step further, embodying clarity, and is typically associated with an undisturbed, tranquil state that also conveys a spiritual or picturesque quality.
In emotional terms, feeling calm might simply mean not being upset or disturbed, useful in everyday situations that require composure. Whereas serene suggests a profound level of peace, often seen as an ideal or aspirational state, reflecting deep inner tranquility.
Environmentally, a calm sea refers to one without rough waves, important for safe maritime activities. Serene landscapes, however, are not just undisturbed but also often beautiful and contemplative, suggesting a scenic and restful setting.
When describing personalities, a calm person may not react hastily to stress, maintaining composure. In contrast, someone described as serene often radiates an inner peace that influences their surroundings, implying a deep-seated calmness that affects others positively.
In literature and art, calm settings might be used to establish a quiet scene or prelude to a significant event. Serene scenes, however, are often depicted as idyllic and harmonious, idealizing the environment to elevate the aesthetic and emotional impact.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Lack of disturbance or agitation
Profound tranquility and beauty
Common Contexts
Emotional, environmental
Emotional, environmental, spiritual
Emotional Connotation
Stability, composure
Deep peace, contentment
Environmental Application
Calm seas, calm weather
Serene landscapes, serene nights
Literary Use
Prelude to events, stability
Idealization, harmony
Compare with Definitions
Calm
Without rapid motions.
He approached the wild animal with calm movements.
Serene
Clear and free of storms.
The serene sky at dusk was breathtaking.
Calm
Mentally tranquil.
Meditation helps him stay calm in stressful situations.
Serene
Deeply peaceful.
The retreat offered a serene environment for deep reflection.
Calm
Free from excitement or passion.
She remained calm during the heated debate.
Serene
Majestically calm.
The ancient forest had a serene aura.
Calm
Not windy or stormy.
The lake was calm and perfect for kayaking.
Serene
Reflecting inner peace.
His serene demeanor is comforting to those around him.
Calm
Free from agitation.
The teacher kept the classroom calm with her soothing voice.
Serene
Untroubled.
Her serene expression made us all relax.
Calm
Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions
She had to keep calm at all costs
His voice was calm
Serene
Content or composed; untroubled
"She remained serene in the face of her accusers" (Peter Matthiessen).
Calm
(of the weather) pleasantly free from wind
The night was clear and calm
Serene
Unaffected by disturbance; calm or peaceful
A serene forest.
Calm
The absence of strong emotions; calm feelings
His usual calm deserted him
Serene
Unclouded; fair
Serene skies and a bright blue sea.
Calm
The absence of wind
In the centre of the storm calm prevailed
Serene
Often Serene Used as a title and form of address for certain members of royalty
Her Serene Highness.
His Serene Highness.
Calm
Make (someone) tranquil and quiet; soothe
I took him inside and tried to calm him down
Serene
Calm, peaceful, unruffled.
She looked at her students with joviality and a serene mentality.
Calm
Nearly or completely motionless; undisturbed
The calm surface of the lake.
Serene
Without worry or anxiety; unaffected by disturbance.
Calm
Not excited or agitated; composed
The president was calm throughout the global crisis.
Serene
(archaic) Fair and unclouded (as of the sky); clear; unobscured.
Calm
An absence or cessation of motion; stillness.
Serene
Used as part of certain titles, originally to indicate sovereignty or independence.
Her Serene Highness
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.
Serene
(transitive) To make serene.
Calm
Tranquility or serenity
"an unaccustomed reticence that I took to be the calm that follows rage" (Jeanne Marie Laskas).
Serene
(poetic) Serenity; clearness; calmness.
Calm
To make or become calm or quiet
A warm bath will calm you. After the storm, the air calmed.
Serene
A fine rain from a cloudless sky after sunset.
Calm
(of a person) Peaceful, quiet, especially free from anger and anxiety.
Serene
Bright; clear; unabscured; as, a serene sky.
The moon serene in glory mounts the sky.
Full many a gem of purest ray sereneThe dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear.
Calm
(of a place or situation) Free of noise and disturbance.
Serene
Calm; placid; undisturbed; unruffled; as, a serene aspect; a serene soul.
Calm
(of water) with few or no waves on the surface; not rippled.
Serene
Serenity; clearness; calmness.
To their master is deniedTo share their sweet serene.
Calm
Without wind or storm.
Serene
Evening air; night chill.
Calm
(in a person) The state of being calm; peacefulness; absence of worry, anger, fear or other strong negative emotion.
Serene
To make serene.
Heaven and earth, as if contending, vieTo raise his being, and serene his soul.
Calm
(in a place or situation) The state of being calm; absence of noise and disturbance.
Serene
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
A period of time without wind.
Serene
Completely clear and fine;
Serene skies and a bright blue sea
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
Common Curiosities
How do you achieve a serene state?
Achieving serenity can involve meditation, spending time in beautiful and tranquil environments, or engaging in reflective practices.
What is the primary difference between calm and serene?
Calm refers to the absence of disturbances, while serene suggests a deeper, more profound peace that often includes a sense of beauty.
Can a person be calm but not serene?
Yes, someone can be calm, showing no immediate reaction to stress, without possessing the deeper, enduring peace implied by serenity.
What types of environments best represent serenity?
Environments that are not only quiet but also picturesque, such as tranquil gardens, serene lakesides, or peaceful mountain vistas, best represent serenity.
Can music be described as serene?
Yes, music that is harmonious, gentle, and soothing to the ear can be described as serene, often used to evoke or enhance a peaceful atmosphere.
How does literature typically contrast calm and serene settings?
In literature, calm settings might serve as a backdrop for introspection or tension, whereas serene settings are often used to evoke an idyllic sense of perfect harmony and beauty, enhancing the thematic depth of the narrative.
Is serene always related to beauty?
Often, yes; serenity usually carries connotations of both peace and aesthetic or spiritual beauty.
Is serenity a common goal in meditation and mindfulness practices?
Yes, achieving serenity is often a goal in meditation and mindfulness practices, as these techniques focus on cultivating deep peace and mental clarity.
Can weather be described as serene?
Yes, weather can be described as serene when it’s not only calm but also beautiful and conducive to peaceful reflections, such as a clear, starry night.
Can animals exhibit serenity?
Animals can exhibit serenity, particularly in their relaxed and peaceful states, often observed in pets like cats or in nature with animals in their undisturbed natural habitats.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
