What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quell
Example
The police were able to quell the riot before it got out of hand. [quell: verb]
Example
She tried to quell her anxiety by taking deep breaths. [quell: verb]
Example
The new policy was designed to quell employee dissatisfaction. [quell: verb]
calm
Example
The ocean was calm and serene on that beautiful day. [calm: adjective]
Example
He tried to remain calm during the job interview. [calm: adjective]
Example
She used soft music to calm her baby down. [calm: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Calm is more commonly used than quell in everyday language. Calm is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while quell is less common and more formal, often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quell and calm?
Quell is a more formal word than calm, often used in official or serious contexts. Calm is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.