calm down
/kɑːm daʊn/To become less agitated, nervous, or upset; to relax or regain composure.
The teacher told the students to calm down before continuing the lesson.
The teacher asked the students to stop being noisy and settle down.
He needs to calm down before making any decisions.
He should relax and think clearly before deciding.
Often used when someone is visibly upset, angry, or overly excited.
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💡Pro Tip
Context Matters
Use 'calm down' when someone is visibly upset or agitated. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings.
⚡Gold Rule
Direct vs. Suggestive
Say 'calm down' directly to someone who is visibly upset. Use 'calm down and think' for a more suggestive tone.
📖Word Origin
From 'calm' (peaceful, quiet) + 'down' (to a lower state). The phrasal verb emerged in the 19th century.
📝Usage Notes
Common in informal and conversational English. Can be used as a direct command or a suggestion.