placid

adjective

plac·​id ˈpla-səd 

: serenely free of interruption or disturbance

placid skies

a placid disposition

also : complacent sense 1

placidity

pla-ˈsi-də-tē 

plə-

noun

placidly

ˈpla-səd-lē 

adverb

placidness noun

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What is the Difference Between placid, calm, tranquil, and serene?

Like placid, the words calm, tranquil, and serene all mean "quiet and free from disturbance." Calm conveys a quiet composure that contrasts with surrounding chaos, while tranquil suggests a very deep quietude and peace. Serene is loftier still, carrying a sense of utter peace and happiness. Though placid traces back to Latin placēre, meaning "to please," it isn't always as positive a term as its synonyms. It can imply a lack of agitation rather than a true peace, and it sometimes suggests excessive self-satisfaction or even stupidity.

Synonyms

• calm
• collected
• composed
• cool
• coolheaded
• equal
• level
• limpid
• peaceful
• possessed
• recollected
• sedate
• self-composed
• self-possessed
• serene
• smooth
• together
• tranquil
• undisturbed
• unperturbed
• unruffled
• unshaken
• untroubled
• unworried

Choose the Right Synonym for placid

calm, tranquil, serene, placid, peaceful mean quiet and free from disturbance.

calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

Examples of placid in a Sentence

a person with a sunny, placid disposition

the placid surface of the lake

Recent Examples on the Web

As if a world so placid and unresponsive could excite only the opposite sensations in him. —Greg Jackson, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024

As the slow agony of guilt chews its way through him, Justin’s world remains largely placid, if impatient. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

The sun has just crested the hills of West Marin, and the water is placid on Tomales Bay. —Sunset Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

For a beginner-friendly choice for those just starting to get a hang of their paddle, try Chattanooga Guided Adventures, where routes are designed to tour through placid sections in the river and enthusiastic and knowledgable guides help with set-up and safety at every step of the way. —Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin placidus, from placēre to please — more at please

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

placid

adjective

plac·​id ˈplas-əd 

: peacefully free of interruption or disturbance : peaceful, calm

a placid disposition

placidity

pla-ˈsid-ət-ē 

plə-

noun

placidly

ˈplas-əd-lē 

adverb