becalm - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
becalm Word Meanings
- to make calm
- to still the movement of (as a ship)
- to lessen excitement or agitation
becalm Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
becalm Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/bɪˈkɑːm/
US
/bɪˈkɑlm/
becalm Word Etymology
(be- + calm): 'be-' indicates a state or condition; 'calm' means tranquility. From Old French 'becalmer', originating from Latin 'calmus'. Picture a ship drifted without wind, peacefully still on the water.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Becalm is a verb formed with be- plus calm, meaning to bring quiet or stillness to a situation. It can describe calming a person or calming a machine or a vessel: to becalm a crowd, to becalm the sea, or to becalm nerves after a scare. It is somewhat formal and literary compared with calm or settle, and you will often find it in nautical or ceremonial contexts: a windless day might becalm a ship, and the encouragement of a speaker can becalm audience fears. Note that the be- prefix is not always audible in everyday speech today, but the word remains common in writing.
Usage Reminders
- Remember that becalm is transitive: you becalm something or someone.
- Use with objects: becalm the sea, becalm the crowd.
- Often used in nautical or ceremonial contexts.
- More formal than calm down in many contexts.
- Avoid with to when stating intention; it is usually part of a larger verb construction.
Common Misconceptions
- It means to become calm rather than to make something calm
- It is interchangeable with calm down in all contexts
- It only applies to people, not things
- It is the same as calm the crowd but not sea related
- It is frequently used in everyday speech
Thinking Differences
Becalm tends to feel more formal and nautical in English than everyday calms. Learners often assume it is interchangeable with calm down, but becalm conveys actively making the situation calm, not just the people becoming calm. It also pairs with weather, ships, crowds, or events, which can surprise learners who expect only personal emotions.
Learning Tips
- Practice collocations with sea and crowds: becalm the sea, becalm the crowd
- Compare with calm down and calm; note the active causative sense
- Use in formal writing or nautical contexts to sound natural
- Remember it describes making something quiet, not just feeling calm
- Check dictionaries for examples with ships, winds, or nerves
- Avoid overusing in casual speech; reserve for appropriate tone
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'becalm'?
A.To make calm
B.To stir up
C.To confuse
D.To annoy
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'becalm' correctly?
A.He tried to becalm the anxious crowd before the event began.
B.The sudden storm will becalm the ship at sea.
C.The teacher's yelling will becalm the students.
D.They used windmills to becalm the rushing river.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'becalm'?
A.Agitate
B.Calm
C.Excite
D.Disturb
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'becalm'?
A.Soothe
B.Mellow
C.Agitate
D.Pacify
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'becalm' could be used?
A.Before a big presentation, people often feel anxious, and it's important to find ways to calm them down.
B.In yoga, instructors aim to becalm their students through soothing practices.
C.During the storm, the waves rose high and caused panic among the sailors on board.
D.A loud argument erupted, disturbing everyone in the vicinity.
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