Definition:
a noun form of calm is defined as a state of peace, quiet, and tranquillity. It is often used to describe a physical environment, such as 'the calm of the ocean' or to describe a person's internal state, such as 'a calming presence'. When used as a noun, calm is an uncountable noun and generally does not have a plural form.
Examples:
1. 'I love the morning calm.'
2. 'The baby drifted off into a peaceful calm.'
Tips:
when used as a noun, calm can also be used metaphorically for inanimate objects, e.g. 'The calm of the mountain.'
Definition:
the adjective form of calm is typically used to describe a person, place, or thing that is not agitated, troubled, or disturbed. It is often used in a positive connotation to praise something for being stable and composed.
Examples:
1. 'John kept a calm demeanor in the face of difficult questions.'
2. 'The calm atmosphere of the office was a refreshing change of pace.'
3. 'She had a calm and soothing voice that immediately put me at ease.'
Tips:
watch out for similar words like tranquil and serene, which may have a connotation of being more peaceful.
Definition:
as a verb, 'calm' means to make someone or something tranquil and quiet; to soothe or pacify.
Rules:
'calm' as a verb can be used in both transitive and intransitive forms. In its transitive form, it often takes a direct object (what is being calmed), while in its intransitive form, it doesn't require a direct object.
Examples:
The mother calmed her crying baby by singing a lullaby.
The winds calmed down after the storm passed.
He tried to calm the angry crowd by addressing their concerns.
Tips:
the verb 'calm' is often followed by 'down' in colloquial speech, especially in the intransitive form, e.g., 'You need to calm down.' 'Calm' as a verb is different from 'calm' as an adjective. For instance, 'The sea is calm today' (adjective) vs. 'The music calmed my nerves' (verb). When using 'calm' as a verb, it's essential to ensure that the subject and the verb agree in number. For example, 'He calms the horses' vs. 'They calm the horses.'