"Calm down" is a phrasal verb predominantly used in informal contexts to suggest or instruct someone to relax or become less agitated. It finds common application in everyday conversations, often when one person is attempting to soothe another during a stressful or tense situation. While it is less suited for formal or professional settings, it might appear in such contexts if the atmosphere allows for informal expression, like in a collegial newsroom or during creative brainstorming sessions. Typically, its usage is straightforward, as it functions as a direct command or suggestion, underscoring its efficacy in emphasizing the urgency or necessity of calming one's emotions. In certain cases, it can bear a condescending tone if perceived as dismissive, so its use requires sensitivity to interpersonal dynamics. Overall, "calm down" is an efficient tool in interpersonal communication aimed at de-escalating heightened emotions.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To become less agitated or to help someone become less upset.
After the argument, it took him a while to calm down.
Please calm down, everything is going to be alright.
2. To reduce the level of noise or chaos.
The storm finally calmed down after midnight.
The situation calmed down when the police arrived.