Vocabulary in context
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Placid
Calm, peaceful, and not easily excited or upset; describes a tranquil demeanor or setting.
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Imagine This
Imagine stepping onto a glassy lake at dawn: the water is perfectly still, a light mist hovers, and a lone duck glides by without making a ripple. The moment feels almost untouched by worry or noise.
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Sounds Like
PLAS-id
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Looks Like
Looks like peace; conveys serenity.
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Remember This
Think of the common root with placate: both derive from Latin placere meaning 'to please.' Placid shares the sense of calm and pleasing quiet.
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Other Forms
placiditynoun
placidlyadverb
placidnessnoun
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Connect With
calm, serene, tranquil, peaceful, undisturbed
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Note
Use placid to describe scenes or people that are calm and steady, not for things that are lively or dramatic. It often conveys a sense of gentle, undisturbed quiet rather than passive indifference.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The placid surface of the lake reflected the orange glow of sunset.
- Her placid demeanor helped the meeting proceed without raised voices.
Synonyms
calmserenetranquilpeacefulundisturbed
Antonyms
agitatedturbulentexcited
Etymology
From Latin placidus 'pleasant, calm', from placere 'to please'. The English word is related to placate (to soothe) and placidity.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: Peaceful Lake At Calm In Dawn. P-L-A-C-I-D: Peaceful Lake At Calm In Dawn. Visualize a placid scene of a lake at dawn to recall the word.
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Usurp
verbTo seize power, control, or a position by force or without legal right; to replace someone by coercive or illicit means.
Profuse
AdjectiveAbundant; produced or given in large amounts; lavish or excessive.
Inscrutable
adjectiveDifficult to understand or interpret; not readily understood or interpreted.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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