lexicow

serene

/səˈriːn//səˈriːn/·adjective
I watch a low sun lay a long ribbon of light across a lake so flat it holds the whole sky upside down, and a single swan glides out over it leaving the faintest trail, its white shape doubled on the water beneath. The one soft ring it makes smooths itself away before it can reach the reeds. Nothing here has to push against anything. I always stay longer than I mean to, because standing near it makes my own breathing go slow and even.
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Definition

Serene is a deep, settled calm — the stillness of clear skies and unruffled water, or of a mind that nothing seems to disturb. Stronger and more poised than merely 'quiet', it suggests a peace that holds even when trouble passes close by. The word comes from the Latin serenus, used of fair, cloudless weather, and it keeps that bright, open quality: a serene lake mirrors the sky exactly because nothing is stirring it.

Examples

  • The serene surface of the lake barely rippled, even as the wind began to abate over the far hills.
  • Years of practice gave her a serene focus that no amount of pressure could erode.
  • He stayed serene while everyone around him panicked about the looming deadline.

Collocations

a serene smile·serene confidence·a serene landscape·remarkably serene·serene and unhurried

Synonyms

calm·tranquil·peaceful·placid·untroubled

Antonyms

agitated·turbulent·frantic

Word family

serenity (noun)·serenely (adverb)

In TOEFL & IELTS

A high-value descriptive adjective for IELTS Speaking Part 2 (describe a calm place) and for descriptive Writing, where it outclasses 'nice' or 'quiet'. It pairs with landscapes and with temperament ('serene confidence'). Promote the noun serenity. Note it is unrelated to serious despite the similar look.