Calm down - 英语词汇详解

Meaning 1：calm down (Calm down)

Calm down 🔊

/kɑːm daʊn/

phrasal verb

To become quiet and relaxed after feeling strong emotions like anger or excitement.

calm down 🔊

➕

/kɑːm daʊn/

phrasal verb

To become quiet, relaxed, and less emotional, especially after anger, excitement, or distress.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

"Calm" from Latin "cauma" (heat of the day, when the sea becomes still) + "down" as an intensifying adverb.

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a wild sea slowly settling into stillness as the wind drops — that's 'calm down'.

📖 Example

The baby was crying loudly, but after her mother sang a soft song, she calmed down and fell asleep. 🔊 The baby was crying loudly, but after her mother sang a soft song, she calmed down and fell asleep.

🔗 Collocations

calm down gradually – to become calm in a slow, steady way

calm down a situation – to make a tense or angry situation more peaceful

calm someone down – to help another person become less upset or excited

🔄 Synonyms

relax (verb) – To rest and become less tense or anxious.

compose oneself (verb phrase) – To make one's emotions calm and controlled.

settle down (verb phrase) – To become quiet and calm after a period of activity or excitement.

🚫 Antonyms

agitate (verb) – To make someone feel anxious, angry, or upset.

get excited (verb phrase) – To become very enthusiastic or emotionally stirred.

panic (verb) – To be suddenly overcome by fear or anxiety.

🌱 Derivatives

calm (adjective) – Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.

calmness (noun) – The state of being peaceful and relaxed.

calming (adjective) – Having the effect of making someone feel relaxed and less anxious.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'calm' entered English via Old Italian 'calma' from Latin 'cauma' (midday heat), a time when the sea is naturally still. The phrasal verb 'calm down' became common in the 19th century to describe emotional cooling.