sérénité
The English phrase serenity is expressed in French as sérénité.
sérénité is a noun meaning a lack of agitation. You can also use the idiomatic expression garder son calme to mean to keep one's calm, or prendre du recul to mean to take a step back.
Meaning: lack of agitation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sérénité refers to a state of calm or lack of agitation, it is distinct from calme, which often refers to the absence of noise or physical movement.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun sérénité is feminine and is typically preceded by the feminine definite article la.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of sérénité refers to a clear and cloudless sky. In a historical context the word described the weather before it described a state of mind.
- While sérénité is a noun the French often use the phrase avoir l'esprit tranquille to describe the specific serenity of having a clear conscience.
- French has a unique word quiétude which is a near-synonym of sérénité. However quiétude suggests a passive stillness whereas sérénité implies a more active emotional balance.
Examples in context
- Il cherchait la sérénité, enfermé dans l'étude, loin du bruit et de l'agitation du monde.He sought serenity, closeted in study, remote from the wear and tear of the world.This sentence is useful for describing someone seeking serenity away from the noise of the world using sérénité.Tatoeba #961821 by sacredceltic, translation #961786 by sacredceltic
- L'ennui est le sentiment que tout est une perte de temps ; la sérénité, que rien ne l'est.Boredom is the feeling that everything is a waste of time. Serenity, that nothing is.This sentence is useful for contrasting the feeling of boredom with the feeling of sérénité.Tatoeba #4124 by TRANG, translation #2279 by AlanF_US
- Être assis sur une pierre sur la plage et regarder le coucher du soleil, c'est mon idée de la sérénité !Sitting on a rock on the beach and watching the sunset is my idea of serenity!This sentence is useful for expressing a personal idea of what sérénité looks like.Tatoeba #2808326 by Aiji, translation #6888938 by Eccles17
- J'apprécie la sérénité de ce jardin paisible.I appreciate the serenity of this peaceful garden.
- Pour trouver la paix intérieure, il faut apprendre à lâcher prise.To find inner peace, one must learn to let go.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are walking through a quiet forest park.
- NathanJ'aime la sérénité de ce parc.I love the serenity of this park.
- ChloéC'est vrai, le calme est incroyable ici.It's true, the calm is incredible here.
- NathanCela m'aide à oublier le stress du travail.It helps me forget work stress.
- ChloéTu as raison, Nathan, profitons de ce moment.You're right, Nathan, let's enjoy this moment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sérénité, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sérénité, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
