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serene

/səˈrin/

/sɪˈrin/

IPA guide

Other forms: serener; serenest

Choose the adjective serene to describe someone who is calm and untroubled. If you tell someone horrible news and they remain serene, you might wonder if they heard you!

Related to the Latin word serenus "peaceful, calm, clear," serene was originally used in English, as in Latin, to describe calm weather. By the mid 1600s, however, it was used figuratively to describe a calm, untroubled person as well. Though people show their emotions pretty openly today, Victorian novels are full of characters who remain serene no matter how terrible the news.

Definitions of serene
  1. adjective
    not agitated; without losing self-possession
    “he remained serene in the midst of turbulence”
    “a serene expression on her face”
    synonyms: calm, tranquil, unagitated
    composed
    serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress
  2. adjective
    completely clear and fine
    serene skies and a bright blue sea”
    synonyms:
    clear
    free from clouds or mist or haze
Pronunciation
US

/səˈrin/

UK

/sɪˈrin/

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