Definition of PLACIDITY

Other Words from placid

placidity \ pla-ˈsi-də-tē

, plə- \ noun

placidly \ ˈpla-səd-lē

\ adverb

placidness noun

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

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.

Examples of placid in a Sentence

a person with a sunny, placid disposition the placid surface of the lake

Recent Examples on the Web

The rear window was halfway down, a placid German Shepherd peeking over the glass. — Ezra Dyer, Popular Mechanics, "Why the 2019 Toyota 4Runner Defies Rationality," 29 May 2019 For its part, the depiction of Vishnu’s boar avatar (described above and painted about 1775-80 in Kangra or Guler) exudes such calm and control as to be placid—a reassuring quality in a deity charged with maintaining the cosmic order. — Lee Lawrence, WSJ, "‘Seeing the Divine: Pahari Painting of North India’ Review: Multifaceted Devotion," 16 Feb. 2019 Things aren’t going to get calmer, more stable, more placid and predictable in the coming year. — Peggy Noonan, WSJ, "Trump Insiders, Come Out of the Shadows," 27 Dec. 2018 Viewed at a microscopic scale, water no longer seems smooth and placid. — Frank Wilczek, WSJ, "Swimming on Atomic and Cosmic Levels," 9 Aug. 2018 The nominee was visibly upset at points during his opening statement, a markedly different tone from his placid interview earlier this week with Fox News. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "Read: Brett Kavanaugh’s angry, emotional opening statement," 27 Sep. 2018 The contrast of the urban (think graffiti) with the placid (think canal tour boats) is one of the distinct charms of the walk. — Melissa Liebling-goldberg, Condé Nast Traveler, "19 Best Paris Walking Tours," 3 Mar. 2018 Most start out similarly: A protagonist is introduced in a seemingly placid suburban scene, and then disaster — usually of the natural variety — strikes. — Constance Grady, Vox, "We read all 25 National Book Award finalists for 2018. Here’s what we thought.," 15 Nov. 2018 The news arrives at a moment when wishlists are already being edited to include Hay’s newest product, a limited edition Sonos speaker in placid colors like light pink and grey. — Ella Riley-adams, Vogue, "This Cult-Favorite Danish Design Brand Is Finally Launching in the U.S.," 1 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'placid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.