calmly
gb/kˈɑmli/ us/kˈɑmli/
A2
English
~ 1600
nyugodtan, higgadtan
A2
1
Usage pattern:
to [verb] calmly
She spoke calmly despite the chaos around her.
A körülötte lévő káosz ellenére is higgadtan beszélt.
He waited calmly for his turn to speak.
Nyugodtan várta, hogy rá kerüljön a sor.
The teacher calmly explained the rules again.
Even under pressure, she answered the questions calmly.
He calmly walked away from the argument.
Learner examples
She talked calmly to her friend.
Nyugodtan beszélt a barátjával.
He waited calmly in the line.
Nyugodtan várakozott a sorban.
The man spoke calmly to the children.
She answered the question calmly.
I sat calmly and listened.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'calmly' with 'quietly'. 'Calmly' refers to emotional state and manner, not just volume.
Meaning
In a peaceful, unexcited way
Collocations
speak calmly
|react calmly
|respond calmly
|wait calmly
|explain calmly
Synonyms
peacefully (Suggests complete peace and absence of disturbance, sometimes more serene than 'calmly'.)
|
quietly (Focuses more on low volume rather than emotional control.)
Antonyms
angrily (Shows strong negative emotion, opposite of calm emotional control.)
|
nervously (Shows anxiety or lack of composure.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In a quiet and relaxed way, not showing anger, fear, or excitement.
In a manner that is quiet, relaxed, and free from strong emotions or disturbance.
Grammar
Dictionary form
calmly
IPA
GB/kˈɑmli/
US/kˈɑmli/
Syllables & stress
calmly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (calmly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: calmly
- Plural: calmlies
Word family
Expressions
calmly but firmly
1/kˈɑmli bˈʌt fˈɚmli/
fixed phrase
Composed yet assertive manner
In a way that is relaxed but also shows you are sure and will not change your mind.
Examples
- She told him calmly but firmly that the decision was final.
- The teacher spoke to the class calmly but firmly about the rules.
speak calmly
1/spˈik kˈɑmli/
fixed phrase
Talk in a relaxed way
To talk in a way that shows you are relaxed and not angry or afraid.
Examples
- Please speak calmly so we can understand you.
- He spoke calmly to comfort the child.