tranquil
TRANG-kwil
/ˈtræŋ.kwɪl/
Free from disturbance, turmoil, or agitation; quiet and calm.
Focuses on the quiet surroundings or state of freedom from external noise and movement.
The story behind the word. The Latin 'tranquillus' probably combined 'trans-' (exceeding) with a base related to 'quies' (rest). It originally referred to windless, glassy sea waters where sailors could rest their oars.
Word relationships
- placid: Placid describes water or temperament that is slow to react; tranquil emphasizes overall peace and stillness.
- chaotic: Chaotic implies utter confusion and unpredictable disorder.
Commonly confused with
- tranquilizer: A tranquilizer is a medical drug inducing calm, whereas tranquil is the natural state of peace.
Word family
- tranquility (noun): The quality or state of being tranquil.
- tranquilize (verb): To make calm or sedated.
- tranquilly (adverb): In a peaceful and undisturbed manner.
Collocations
- tranquil waters
- tranquil village
- tranquil setting
- tranquil mood
Idioms & expressions
- a oasis of tranquil calm
Example sentences
- "They spent a tranquil weekend at a cottage tucked deep in the pine forest." Describing a setting
- "The tranquil mind is quiet and steady in the midst of turmoil." Poetic quotation
Memory hook
TRANQUIL sounds like 'trance-quite-still'—a state where everything is dead silent. Still water, quiet air.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a high-energy situation even if people are happy.
Fun facts
- Apollo 11 landed on the moon at the 'Sea of Tranquility' (Mare Tranquillitatis).
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