be calmed

Meanings

1. 1phraseintransitive

   To become quiet, peaceful, or less excited, often after being upset or stormy.

   Grammar: Used with 'be' + past participle; often followed by 'by' to show what caused the calm.

   Patterns

   • be calmed by something
   • be calmed down

   The baby was calmed by the soft music.

   After the storm, the sea was calmed by the morning sun.

   He was calmed by her gentle words.

2. 2phrasetransitive

   To be made calm or less angry, especially by someone or something.

   Grammar: The passive form of 'calm someone/something'; the doer is introduced with 'by'.

   Patterns

   • be calmed by someone
   • be calmed with something

   The crowd was calmed by the police officer's speech.

   She was calmed by the doctor's reassurance.

   The situation was calmed by a quick apology.

Common combinations

be calmed by

The anxious child was calmed by his mother's hug.

be calmed down

It took a while before the dog was calmed down after the fireworks.

be calmed with

The patient was calmed with a warm drink.

Synonyms and how they differ

be soothed

Suggests a gentle, comforting effect, often on emotions or pain; 'be calmed' is more general.

be pacified

Often used when someone angry is made peaceful, sometimes by giving in to demands; more formal.

Opposites

Word family

calm adjective

Peaceful and quiet; not excited or nervous.

calmly adverb

In a peaceful, quiet way.

calmness noun

The state of being calm.

Commonly confused: be calmed or be calm?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “be calmed”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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