Tranquillity
/træŋˈkwɪl.ɪ.ti/noun
The state of being calm, peaceful, and free from disturbance.
Did you know?Its Latin ancestor, *tranquillus*, is tied to the image of still water and calm weather, which is why the word feels so deeply tied to silence, balance, and emotional stillness.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kʷel-
“to turn, revolve; to be at rest or dwell”
Latin
Latin
tranquillus
“calm, still, quiet”
Latin
Latin
tranquillitas
“calmness, serenity, quiet”
Old French
Old French
tranquillité
“calmness, serenity”
Middle English
English
tranquilite / tranquillite
“calmness, peacefulness”
Modern English
English
tranquillity
“the state of being calm and peaceful”