placid

USAGE SUMMARY

"placid" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or situation that is peaceful, quiet, and serene. For example, "The lake was placid and still, reflecting the cloudless sky above."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are the main source of activity on this placid street, but their patient presence barely betrays the hubbub within.

The Guardian

Next thing you know Pratt is saying the island needs to be evacuated, people are getting picked off and the once placid scientist is shouting "RUNNNNNN!" at the already petrified kids.

The Guardian - Film

It's impossible to hurry, because the world slows into a placid, reflective corridor, green-fringed through the dense townscape.

The Guardian - Travel

The designer and horticulturist Dan Pearson, who will look after the leafy side of things, aims to create a garden that will change with the seasons and afford people a placid vantage point from which to contemplate the old and the new of the London skyline.

The Guardian

She was the only photographer I ever wanted to sit in on an interview I was doing, not just because she could recede into invisibility, hands folded in her lap, placid as Miss Marple, or stealthily circle the room, eyes glinting, but also because she disarmed people.

The Guardian - Arts

It is a calm and placid beatitude.

The Guardian - Books

Mr Lee writes in the second person, allowing B-Mor's residents to contrast Fan's bravery with their placid contentedness.The book has an oddly disembodied quality, emphasised by Mr Lee's airless, hyperprecise, overwritten prose.

The Economist

She would call down calm on every one of them, on the worst and the bitterest ones first of all".Such capacious forgiveness is something that Ames, with his settled and placid life, never had to do.

The Economist

IT IS a placid state usually, not given to feuds; but these days Vermont is riven with cries of class warfare.

The Economist

But the growing Sunni-Shia schism, exacerbated by the row over Shia Iran's nuclear ambitions, is now creating discomfort for Shias farther afield.A mob led by Sunni fanatics torched Shia property on December 29th in eastern Java in normally placid Indonesia, forcing hundreds of villagers to flee.

The Economist

Many usually placid African countries have experienced demonstrations in favour of more representative government.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "placid" to describe environments or individuals characterized by a lack of disturbance and a sense of calm. It effectively conveys a state of peacefulness, particularly when contrasting with potential or actual turmoil.

Common error

Avoid using "placid" when you intend to convey passivity or a lack of engagement. While "placid" describes a state of calmness, it doesn't necessarily imply inaction or apathy. Ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of peacefulness rather than indifference.

Linguistic Context

The word "placid" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a state of calmness, peacefulness, or lack of disturbance. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "placid" is used to characterize various nouns like "lake", "street", or "demeanor".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Placid" is a versatile adjective used to describe something calm, quiet, and undisturbed. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from sources like The Economist and The Guardian, confirms its frequent use in News & Media. While appropriate for various contexts, including describing individuals with a "placid demeanor" or a "placid lake", it's essential to differentiate it from "passive", which implies a lack of action. Using "placid" correctly enhances clarity in expressing states of peacefulness, as demonstrated by Ludwig's diverse examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serene

Implies a state of tranquility and peace, often associated with a pleasant environment.

tranquil

Similar to serene but often suggests a quieter, more undisturbed form of peace.

peaceful

A general term for a state of calm and absence of disturbance.

calm

Indicates a lack of agitation or excitement; can be applied to both people and situations.

still

Suggests a lack of movement or activity, often used to describe water or air.

unruffled

Describes a person or situation that remains calm and composed despite potential disturbances.

composed

Indicates a state of being calm and in control of one's emotions.

even-tempered

Specifically refers to someone who is consistently calm and not easily angered.

undisturbed

Suggests a state of not being interrupted or bothered.

mild

Suggests gentleness and lack of intensity or severity.

FAQs

How can I use "placid" in a sentence?

You can use "placid" to describe something that is calm, quiet, and undisturbed. For example, "The "placid lake" reflected the clear blue sky" or "She had a "placid demeanor", even in stressful situations".

What words are similar to "placid"?

Similar words include "serene", "tranquil", "peaceful", and "calm". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to describe a person as "placid"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. Describing a person as "placid" suggests they have a calm and unruffled disposition. For example, "Despite the chaos around her, she remained "placid" and composed."

What is the difference between "placid" and "passive"?

"Placid" implies a state of calmness and lack of disturbance, while "passive" suggests a lack of action or resistance. A "placid" person might be calm and content, but a passive person tends to accept things without actively responding or challenging them.