Stillness
Word of the Day
What is Stillness?
noun
The absence of movement or sound; deep quiet or calm.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to invite a pause — a breath — and to celebrate the beauty and clarity that can be found in moments of quiet.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The forest was wrapped in a sacred stillness just before sunrise.
She craved stillness in a world that never seemed to rest.
The painting captured a moment of perfect stillness between motion and breath.
Word Origins
From Old English stilnes, meaning “absence of motion or disturbance”
Used for centuries in spiritual, artistic, and philosophical contexts to suggest depth or presence.
First appearance in English: Old English
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Adjective:
The lake was still, untouched by wind or ripple.
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Noun:
They sat in a companionable silence.
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Verb:
She stilled her breathing and listened.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: quietud
- French: calme
- German: Stille
- Italian: quiete
- Portuguese: calma
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Silence
“Silence” is the absence of sound; “stillness” is a fuller state of calm, including body and mind.
Calm
“Calm” is a mood or emotion; “stillness” can be physical, emotional, or spiritual presence.
Peace
“Peace” suggests harmony; “stillness” suggests centered awareness.
Fun Facts
- In Japanese aesthetics, the concept of “ma” (間) includes stillness as the space between things — silence that shapes meaning.
- NASA spacecraft enter “safe mode” — a programmed stillness — during errors to preserve energy and await human instruction.
Cultural Usage
- Stillness is a core concept in meditation — the doorway to presence and clarity.
- Poets use stillness as a metaphor for reflection, transition, or transcendence.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes mistaken as emptiness or inactivity; “stillness” is intentional and full of meaning.
Micro Story
In the stillness of the dawn, she felt her thoughts settle like leaves on water.