placidity

[ pluh-sid-i-tee ]

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.

Other Words From

• un·plac·id·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of placidity¹

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

Example Sentences

He gazed into the baby face, which, in its expressionless placidity, almost recalled her mother's tranquil sweetness.

From Project Gutenberg

Her emotion must have surprised her, but immediately she regained her placidity and reverted no more to the subject.

From Project Gutenberg

It was pleasant to be thus greeted: a change from Aunt Alison's calm unimpassioned placidity.

From Project Gutenberg

Her features were regular, but expressively alive compared to the artificial placidity of the court beauties.

From Project Gutenberg

"In a position which I no longer occupy," he amended, recovering his placidity.

From Project Gutenberg