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calming
/ˈkɑːmɪŋ/
having a soothing effect
The sound of rain is very calming.
The rain's sound creates a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.
neutral
having a soothing effect that reduces stress or tension
She found the yoga session calming after a long day.
The yoga session helped her relax and unwind.
The therapist recommended calming music to ease anxiety.
Music was suggested to help reduce the patient's stress.
Often used to describe environments, activities, or sounds that promote relaxation.
Collocations
calming effectan effect that reduces stress or agitationcalming influencea person or thing that reduces stress
Pro Tip
Using 'calming' vs. 'calm'
'Calming' describes something that causes calmness (e.g., 'a calming scent'), while 'calm' describes a state of being (e.g., 'a calm voice').
Gold Rule
Adjective form
Use 'calming' to describe things that create a sense of calm, not the state itself.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'calmen' (to calm), from Old French 'calmer', from Late Latin 'calmāre' (to calm), from Latin 'calm(us)' (calm).
Usage Notes
Commonly used in emotional, psychological, or sensory contexts to describe something that reduces stress or promotes peace.
Word Breakdown
calm
peaceful, free from agitation
root-ing
forming an adjective that describes something causing the state
suffixEnglish Dictionary