adjective

serene

/səˈriːn/ · say it: suh·REEN

calm, peaceful, and untroubled

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (adjective) calm, peaceful, and not worried or disturbed

2. (adjective) quiet and without much activity or noise

Examples

1. She had a serene expression on her face, unaffected by the chaos around her.
2. The serene lake reflected the mountains perfectly.

How to use serene

Serene describes both a state of inner peace and a quality of external surroundings that evoke tranquility. It has a more elevated, literary tone than casual words like calm or peaceful, and often suggests an undisturbed, almost spiritual quality. It emphasizes absence of disturbance rather than active contentment.

Common phrases

serene atmosphere
serene landscape
serene expression
serene environment
remain serene
serene beauty

Synonyms

peaceful · tranquil · calm · placid · undisturbed

Opposites

chaotic · turbulent · agitated

Word family

serenity (noun) · serenely (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use serene to mean simply happy or cheerful, but it specifically conveys calm and peacefulness rather than positive emotion generally.

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