adjective

sedate

sih-DAYT/sɪˈdeɪt/

Calm, quiet, and dignified.

The sedate man sits upright in the garden with his hands on a cane.

An elderly man sits upright with quiet dignified composure in a garden, hands resting gently on a cane, calm expression.

Etymology

Latin sedare, “to make calm,” was formed from a verb meaning “to sit.” Its participle described someone composed or tranquil—the connection to a quiet, dignified manner.

In context

Libranima455:32

It’s nothing but misfortunes now, she added suddenly with that peculiarly sedate air which children try hard to assume when they want to speak like grown- up people.

Crime and Punishment - Dostoevsky (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 1 of 2

More examples

They prefer a sedate dinner to a noisy party.
Even during the heated debate, he remains sedate.
The ceremony has a sedate atmosphere, with quiet music and formal speeches.

Forms

sedate · sedater · sedatest

sedately adverb — In a calm, quiet, dignified manner.

sedateness noun — The quality of being calm and dignified.

Similar words

composed: Emphasizes emotional self-control, especially under stress or pressure.
serene: Emphasizes peacefulness and freedom from worry rather than dignified behavior.
dignified: Emphasizes bearing that deserves respect, not necessarily quietness.