calmly
KAHM-lee
Calmly (adverb) means In a relaxed, controlled way, without panic or anger. Example: “He calmly explained why the flight had been delayed.”
adverb
1
In a relaxed, controlled way, without panic or anger.
"He calmly explained why the flight had been delayed."
"She walked calmly to the exit even as the alarm blared."
How to use calmly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something in a cool, steady way rather than getting flustered.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more calmly
- Superlative
- most calmly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ explained why the flight had been delayed.
Etymology
Simply calm plus the adverb ending -ly.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “calmly” mean?
The word “calmly” means in a relaxed, controlled way, without panic or anger. In plain terms, doing something in a cool, steady way rather than getting flustered.
How do you pronounce “calmly”?
“Calmly” is pronounced KAHM-lee (/ˈkɑː(ɹ)m.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “calmly” in a sentence?
Here is “calmly” used in a sentence: “He calmly explained why the flight had been delayed.”
What part of speech is “calmly”?
“Calmly” is an adverb.
Is “calmly” a common word?
“Calmly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between calmly and calm?
"Calm" is an adjective that describes a state or quality, as in "she was calm," while "calmly" is the adverb form used to describe how an action is performed, as in "she spoke calmly." Use calmly whenever you are modifying a verb rather than describing a noun directly.
What is the difference between calmly and quietly?
Calmly emphasizes a relaxed, controlled emotional state without panic or anger, while quietly emphasizes low volume or lack of noise. A person can act quietly without being calm, for instance if they are quietly anxious, so the two words are not interchangeable.
When is it appropriate to use calmly in writing?
Calmly works well in narrative or descriptive writing to show that a character handled a stressful or difficult situation without losing composure, such as "he calmly explained the mistake." It is a common and neutral word appropriate for both formal and everyday writing.
