What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
calm
Example
The lake was calm and still, reflecting the beautiful sunset. [calm: adjective]
Example
She took a deep breath to calm herself before giving the presentation. [calm: verb]
placid
Example
The placid lake provided a perfect spot for fishing. [placid: adjective]
Example
Despite the chaos around her, she remained placid and composed. [placid: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Calm is more commonly used than placid in everyday language. Calm is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while placid is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between calm and placid?
While calm is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, placid is more formal and is often found in written or literary works.