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

I had been struck by the placidity of Courtney’s life in the public eye.

From New York Times

The typical placidity of its quiet alleys and muted central square had given way to several thousand people: religious travelers, musicians, young women in ornate costumes, tourists from the far corners of the country and beyond.

From New York Times

Then you come around the bend and see the little basketball court, and are reminded of some things easily forgotten this week inside the bustling halls: The Earth is not merely a planet of work and warfare; it is a place of placidity and play, too.

From Washington Times

Then you come around the bend and see the little basketball court, and are reminded of some things easily forgotten this week inside the bustling halls: The Earth is not merely a planet of work and warfare; it is a place of placidity and play, too.

From Seattle Times

She lets the camera drink in the differences between their big-city home environs and the placidity of their woody, lakeside getaway.

From Los Angeles Times