Meaning & use
calm words
Last updated
UK/kɑːm wɜːdz/
US/kɑːm wɜːrdz/
Meaning
nounplural
Words that are gentle and intended to soothe or pacify someone.
Grammar: Always plural in this sense. Can be used with 'speak', 'say', or 'offer'.
Patterns
- speak calm words
- say calm words
- offer calm words
She spoke calm words to the frightened child.
He tried to use calm words to defuse the argument.
The nurse's calm words helped the patient relax.
Common combinations
- speak calm words
- He spoke calm words to the angry crowd.
- offer calm words
- She offered calm words of comfort.
- calm words of reassurance
- His calm words of reassurance eased her fears.
Synonyms and how they differ
- soothing words
- Soothing words are specifically comforting and reduce pain or distress; calm words focus on reducing excitement or anger.
- pacifying words
- Pacifying words are intended to bring peace and end conflict; calm words are gentler and more about soothing.
Opposites
harsh wordsangry words
Commonly confused: calm words or calm word?
calm words vs calm word
The singular 'calm word' is rarely used; the plural 'calm words' is the common form.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'calm words' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase functions as the object of 'used'. The other options are grammatically incorrect or change the meaning.
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