What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sedate
Example
The sedate cat sat quietly on the windowsill. [sedate: adjective]
Example
The doctor prescribed a sedative to help the patient sleep. [sedative: noun]
serene
Example
The serene lake reflected the mountains in the distance. [serene: adjective]
Example
She felt a sense of serenity as she watched the sunset. [serenity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Serene is more commonly used than sedate in everyday language. Serene is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sedate is less common and has a more specific medical connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sedate and serene?
Both sedate and serene are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing. However, sedate may be more technical and clinical in tone, while serene is more poetic and evocative.
