placidly
|pla-cid-ly|
/ˈplæsɪd/
(placid)
calm and peaceful
Etymology
'placid' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'placidus,' where the root 'plac-' comes from Latin 'placēre' meaning 'to please' (with senses extending to 'gentle' or 'calm').
'placid' came into English in the early 17th century from Latin 'placidus' (possibly influenced by French usage) and later formed the adverb 'placidly' in English by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly.'
Initially, it carried senses of 'pleasing, gentle, or mild' and over time the meaning narrowed to the modern sense of 'calm, not easily disturbed,' which is reflected in 'placidly.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
adverb form of 'placid': in a calm, peaceful, or undisturbed manner; serenely; without agitation or disturbance.
The lake lay placidly under the moonlight.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/04 01:41