calmly
gb/kˈɑmli/ us/kˈɑmli/
A2
English
~ 1600
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
In a peaceful, unexcited way
In a quiet and relaxed way, not showing anger, fear, or excitement.
Usage pattern:
to [verb] calmly
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'calmly' with 'quietly'. 'Calmly' refers to emotional state and manner, not just volume.
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.)
Collocations
speak calmly
|react calmly
|respond calmly
|wait calmly
|explain calmly
Themes
emotions
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She spoke calmly despite the chaos around her.
- He waited calmly for his turn to speak.
- 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.
- He waited calmly in the line.
- The man spoke calmly to the children.
- She answered the question calmly.
- I sat calmly and listened.
Grammar
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.