adjective

placid

PLAS-id/ˈplæsɪd/

Calm and not easily disturbed.

The placid woman calmly steadies the cup despite the fresh spill.

A relaxed woman calmly steadies a tipped cup while her cat stands beside the fresh spill; her soft smile and unhurried posture show that the mishap has not disturbed her.

Etymology

Latin placidus covered both “pleasing” and “peaceful” and came from placere, “to please.” The English meaning emphasizes its quiet, undisturbed side: calm rather than easily upset.

In context

Nat Geo Animals4:05

Aggressive? No, they're unusually placid, even when being handled. Do they bite? Not often.

Africa's Most Dangerous Snakes (Full Episode) | World's Deadliest Snakes | Nat Geo Animals

More examples

The placid lake reflects the trees along its shore.
Her placid expression gives no hint of worry.
His placid temperament helps him handle unexpected delays.

Forms

placid · more placid · most placid

placidly adverb — In a calm and undisturbed manner.

placidity noun — The quality of being calm and undisturbed.

Similar words

calm: More broadly describes freedom from agitation, excitement, or anger.
serene: Emphasizes deep peacefulness rather than resistance to disturbance.
unruffled: Emphasizes remaining composed when something upsetting or unexpected happens.