Definition of placid
: serenely free of interruption or disturbance placid skies a placid disposition; also : complacent 1
placidness
nounFrom the M-W Editors
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Examples of placid in a sentence
a person with a sunny, placid disposition
the placid surface of the lake
Did You Know?
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.
Origin and Etymology of placid
Latin placidus, from placēre to please — more at please
First Known Use: 1626
Synonym Discussion of placid
PLACID Defined for English Language Learners
placid
playDefinition of placid for English Language Learners
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: not easily upset or excited
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: not moving much : calm and steady
PLACID Defined for Kids
placid
playDefinition of placid for Students
: calm and peaceful a placid face a placid lake
Learn More about placid
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See words that rhyme with placid Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for placid Spanish Central: Translation of placid Nglish: Translation of placid for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of placid for Arabic speakers
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