placidity

American  

[pluh-sid-i-tee] / pləˈsɪd ɪ ti /

Also placidness

noun

1. a calm or peaceful quality; tranquility; serenity.

   It’s not uncommon for visitors to regard the placidity of Canada’s Peyto Lake as a spiritual experience.

2. lack of interest or proper concern, energy, or action; complacency or apathy.

   In a society that mistakes placidity for gentleness, I think we need spaces to explore, develop, and harness righteous anger.

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Other Word Forms

• unplacidness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of placidity

First recorded in 1610–20; placid ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

Placidity seemed to be the dominating note of her personality.

From The Emigrant Trail by Bonner, Geraldine

He was sitting with his elbows on his knees and a brier-root pipe in his mouth, content in every feature, a perfect picture of Placidity on a Boulder.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science October, 1877. Vol XX - No. 118 by Various

Placidity and benevolence seemed impressed on his brow: he was, moreover, calm and sedate, and majestically self possessed, and was considered by his neighbours a very shrewd, sensible man.

From Joseph in the Snow, and The Clockmaker In Three Volumes. Vol. II. by Auerbach, Berthold

Placidity; a steady faith; these too were needed.

From The Enchanted April by Elizabeth

Placidity of mind favors the flow of nerve impulses for reconstructive purposes, while over-reaction to pain inhibits the natural processes of repair.

From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)