Calm vs. Quiet: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
Calm refers to a peaceful and tranquil state, free from agitation or disturbance; quiet implies a state of stillness, silence, or lack of noise.
Difference Between Calm and Quiet
Calm and quiet, while somewhat interchangeable, carry inherent differences, predominantly relating to the scope of their application. Calm predominantly describes a state or feeling of peace and tranquility, often implying the absence of turmoil, agitation, or excitement, both in physical environments and emotional states. Quiet, however, primarily denotes the absence or low level of sound or noise, typically applied to environments, but can also describe people who are reserved or restrained in speech or demeanor.
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
In emotional and psychological contexts, calm often refers to an individual’s composed and serene state of mind, signifying the absence of stress, anxiety, or agitation. Quiet, in contrast, is less likely to describe emotional states but rather characterizes individuals who are not vocally expressive, prefer solitude, or are reticent in social situations, focusing more on demeanor and expression than on internal emotional states.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
In meteorological terms, calm is used to depict weather conditions that are peaceful, with little to no wind, emphasizing stability and tranquility in atmospheric conditions. Quiet doesn't usually pertain to weather conditions but, if used, may imply the absence of disruptive weather phenomena, such as storms or high winds, focusing on the lack of atmospheric disturbance.
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
Calm may also refer to water bodies with no or minimal movement, depicting a serene and undisturbed surface, free from waves or turbulence. Quiet does not typically describe the state of water bodies but, if applied, would emphasize the absence of noise, possibly stemming from the lack of water movement or external disturbances, highlighting stillness and silence over movement and agitation.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
In essence, while calm frequently portrays peace and tranquility in various contexts including emotions, weather, and water bodies, quiet is more constrained, primarily illustrating silence or low noise levels, whether in environments or in characterizing reserved individuals.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Calm vs. Quiet Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Peaceful, tranquil state
State of stillness, silence or lack of noise
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
Application
Both emotional states and physical environments
Predominantly environments and individual demeanor
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Relation to Noise
Does not specifically relate to noise level
Directly relates to absence or low level of noise
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
Usage in Weather
Describes tranquil and stable atmospheric conditions
Implies absence of disruptive weather phenomena
Nolan
Sep 21, 2023
Application to Water Bodies
Refers to serene, undisturbed water surface
Would emphasize absence of noise from water movement
Jonathan
Sep 21, 2023
Calm vs. Quiet Definitions
◉Calm
Calm denotes a state of peace and tranquility.
The calm environment helped her focus.
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
◉Quiet
Quiet signifies a condition characterized by little to no noise.
The library was quiet, ideal for studying.
Elijah
Sep 21, 2023
◉Calm
In weather, calm indicates stable and peaceful conditions.
The sea was calm, with no waves in sight.
Leo
Sep 21, 2023
◉Quiet
Quiet can describe individuals who are reserved or not vocally expressive.
She is a quiet person who prefers reading.
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
◉Calm
Calm can describe water bodies with minimal to no movement.
The calm lake reflected the moonlight beautifully.
Kaitlyn
Sep 21, 2023
◉Quiet
In machinery, quiet refers to the operation with minimal noise.
The car has a quiet engine, barely audible.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
◉Calm
Nearly or completely motionless; undisturbed
the calm surface of the lake.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Making or characterized by little or no noise
a quiet library.
a quiet street.
a quiet, well tuned engine.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
Not excited or agitated; composed
The president was calm throughout the global crisis.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Free of turmoil and agitation; calm
a quiet lake.
a quiet place in the country.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Providing or allowing relaxation; restful; soothing
a quiet afternoon nap.
a quiet tune on the flute.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
A condition of no wind or a wind with a speed of less than 1 knot (1.15 miles per hour; 1.9 kilometers per hour), according to the Beaufort scale.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
Tranquility or serenity
"an unaccustomed reticence that I took to be the calm that follows rage" (Jeanne Marie Laskas).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
To make or become calm or quiet
A warm bath will calm you. After the storm, the air calmed.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Out of public scrutiny; known or discussed by few
wanted to keep the incident quiet until after the election.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
(of a person) Peaceful, quiet, especially free from anger and anxiety.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
The quality or condition of being quiet
"A menacing quiet fills the empty streets" (Time).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
To make (a title) secure by freeing from uncertainties or adverse claims as to the ownership.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
(in a person) The state of being calm; peacefulness; absence of worry, anger, fear or other strong negative emotion.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
With little or no sound; free of disturbing noise.
I can't hear the music; it is too quiet.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
(in a place or situation) The state of being calm; absence of noise and disturbance.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Having little motion or activity; calm.
the sea was quiet
a quiet night at home
all quiet on the Western front
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Not busy, of low quantity.
The traffic was quiet for a Monday morning.
Business was quiet for the season.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Not talking much or not talking loudly; reserved.
He's a very quiet man usually, but is very chatty after a few beers.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Not showy; undemonstrative.
a quiet dress
quiet colours
a quiet movement
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
Freedom from motion, agitation, or disturbance; a cessation or absence of that which causes motion or disturbance, as of winds or waves; tranquility; stillness; quiet; serenity.
The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
A calm before a storm is commonly a peace of a man's own making.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
To make calm; to render still or quiet, as elements; as, to calm the winds.
To calm the tempest raised by Eolus.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
(transitive) To cause (someone or something) to become quiet.
Can you quiet your child? He’s making lots of noise.
The umpire quieted the crowd so the game could continue in peace.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
To deliver from agitation or excitement; to still or soothe, as the mind or passions.
Passions which seem somewhat calmed.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
(intransitive) To become quiet or calm.
When you quiet, we can start talking.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
Not stormy; without motion, as of winds or waves; still; quiet; serene; undisturbed.
Now all is calm, and fresh, and still.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
The absence of sound; quietness.
There was a strange quiet in the normally very lively plaza.
We need a bit of quiet before we can start the show.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
Undisturbed by passion or emotion; not agitated or excited; tranquil; quiet in act or speech.
Such calm old age as conscience pureAnd self-commanding hearts ensure.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
steadiness of mind under stress;
he accepted their problems with composure and she with equanimity
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
In a state of rest or calm; without stir, motion, or agitation; still; as, a quiet sea; quiet air.
They . . . were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
become quiet or calm, especially after a state of agitation;
After the fight both men need to cool off.
It took a while after the baby was born for things to settle down again.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
cause to be calm or quiet as by administering a sedative to;
The patient must be sedated before the operation
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Not excited or anxious; calm; peaceful; placid; settled; as, a quiet life; a quiet conscience.
That son, who on the quiet state of manSuch trouble brought.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
not agitated; without losing self-possession;
spoke in a calm voice
remained calm throughout the uproar
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Not giving offense; not exciting disorder or trouble; not turbulent; gentle; mild; meek; contented.
The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.
I will sit as quiet as a lamb.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
characterized by absence of emotional agitation;
calm acceptance of the inevitable
remained serene in the midst of turbulence
a serene expression on her face
she became more tranquil
tranquil life in the country
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Not showy; not such as to attract attention; undemonstrative; as, a quiet dress; quiet colors; a quiet movement.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
The quality or state of being quiet, or in repose; as an hour or a time of quiet.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
marked by freedom from agitation or excitement;
the rioters gradually became calm and slowly dispersed
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Freedom from disturbance, noise, or alarm; stillness; tranquillity; peace; security.
And join with thee, calm Peace and Quiet.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
Calm also refers to serene and untroubled emotional states.
She remained calm during the crisis.
Leo
Sep 21, 2023
◉Quiet
To stop motion in; to still; to reduce to a state of rest, or of silence.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calm
As a verb, to calm means to make tranquil and quiet.
He tried to calm the anxious dog.
Leo
Sep 21, 2023
◉Quiet
To calm; to appease; to pacify; to lull; to allay; to tranquillize; as, to quiet the passions; to quiet clamors or disorders; to quiet pain or grief.
Quiet yourselves, I pray, and be at peace.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
To become still, silent, or calm; - often with down; as, be soon quieted down.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
the absence of sound;
he needed silence in order to sleep
the street was quiet
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
become quiet or quieter;
The audience fell silent when the speaker entered
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity;
a quiet life
a quiet throng of onlookers
quiet peace-loving people
the factions remained quiet for almost 10 years
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
free of noise or uproar; or making little if any sound;
a quiet audience at the concert
the room was dark and quiet
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
in a softened tone;
hushed voices
muted trumpets
a subdued whisper
a quiet reprimand
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
without untoward incident or disruption;
a placid existence
quiet times
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
free from disturbance;
a ribbon of sand between the angry sea and the placid bay
the quiet waters of a lagoon
a lake of tranquil blue water reflecting a tranquil blue sky
a smooth channel crossing
scarcely a ripple on the still water
unruffled water
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
of the sun; characterized by a low level of surface phenomena like sun spots e.g.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
with little or no activity or no agitation (`quiet' is a nonstandard variant for `quietly');
her hands rested quietly in her lap
the rock star was quietly led out the back door
sit here as quiet as you can
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Quiet
Quiet can also denote the absence of activity or movement.
It was a quiet street with no sign of life.
Henry
Sep 21, 2023
◉Quiet
Quiet can imply a subdued or muted color, sound, or light.
He chose a quiet tone of paint for the bedroom.
Lucas
Sep 21, 2023
Calm vs. Quiet Frequently Asked Questions
Does calm typically relate to noise levels?
No, calm does not specifically relate to the level of noise but to peace and tranquility.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Is calm more about a feeling of peace and tranquility?
Yes, calm primarily denotes a state or feeling of peace, tranquility, free from agitation or disturbance.
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
Is quiet mainly about the absence or low level of noise?
Yes, quiet principally signifies a state of stillness, silence, or the absence or low level of noise.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Is quiet commonly used to denote subdued or muted colors or lights?
Yes, quiet can imply a subdued or muted color, sound, or light.
Leo
Sep 21, 2023
Is quiet often used to describe reserved or less vocally expressive individuals?
Yes, quiet is often used to characterize individuals who are reserved or less vocally expressive.
Olivia
Sep 21, 2023
Can calm be used to describe stable and tranquil weather conditions?
Yes, calm is used to depict weather conditions that are peaceful and stable, with little to no wind.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Can calm describe both physical environments and emotional states?
Yes, calm can describe a tranquil and peaceful state in both physical environments and emotional states.
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
Can calm describe the surface of water bodies with minimal movement?
Yes, calm can depict water bodies with a serene and undisturbed surface, free from waves or turbulence.
Olivia
Sep 21, 2023
Can quiet refer to the silent operation of machinery?
Yes, quiet can refer to machinery that operates with minimal noise.
Elijah
Sep 21, 2023
Is the term quiet typically applied to describe the state of water bodies?
No, quiet is not typically used to describe the state of water bodies, but if it does, it emphasizes the absence of noise from water movement.
Olivia
Sep 21, 2023
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Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
