Calm
/kɑːm/noun
Quiet, peaceful, and free from agitation or disturbance.
Did you know?English calm entered through French and Italian from a Late Latin word often linked to scorching heat or the stillness of midday, showing how “peace” can grow out of the language of oppressive stillness.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
calma
“A hot, still time of day; later, a lull or quiet”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kauma
“Burning heat, a scorching blaze”
Old Italian
Italian
calma
“Stillness, a lull at sea”
Old French
French
calme
“Quiet, calm, tranquility”
16th Century
English
calm
“Quiet, undisturbed, without agitation”
Modern English
English
calm
“Peaceful, tranquil, and free from disturbance”