I
noun
BAD : You need calm and quiet to digest your lunch properly.
GOOD : You need peace and quiet to digest your lunch properly.
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Peace and quiet is a fixed phrase: 'It's impossible to find peace and quiet in a house full of children.'
II
adjective
1
BAD : If you prefer a calm environment, try the countryside.
GOOD : If you prefer a peaceful environment, try the countryside.
BAD : Go and find somewhere calm and get some rest.
GOOD : Go and find somewhere quiet and get some rest.
BAD : What you need is a calm holiday somewhere.
GOOD : What you need is a quiet and relaxing holiday somewhere.
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Calm is usually used to describe situations where there has recently been violence or noisy activity: 'After yesterday's fighting, the streets of Jerusalem are reported to be calm again this morning.'
2
DUBIOUS : My best friend Nick is very calm and never gets upset.
GOOD : My best friend Nick is very easygoing and never gets upset.
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Calm is usually used to describe how someone behaves in a difficult situation: 'The boat was being tossed by the waves but we managed to stay calm.'
To describe someone who has a relaxed attitude to life, use words such as easygoing, placid, laid-back (informal), patient, tolerant.
3
DUBIOUS : I fastened my seat belt and tried to be calm.
GOOD : I fastened my seat belt and tried to stay calm.
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When you are talking about someone's behaviour in an emergency or unpleasant situation, use keep/stay/remain calm : 'In the event of fire, leave the building by the nearest exit and remain calm.'
Compare: 'For the first two days the sea was perfectly calm.'