sedate

Definition

Remaining composed and dignified, and avoiding too much activity or excitement.

Etymology

The verb is first attested in 1646, the adjective in 1661; borrowed from Latin sēdātus, perfect passive participle of sēdō (“to settle”), see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and -ate (verb-forming suffix).

Example Sentences

• "[…] they will rashly huddle up all together, and not admitting the least check of a sedate judgement, publish onely the impetuous dictates of their indiscreet and too precipitant fancie […]"
• "But who like thee can boast a Soul sedate, / So firmly Proof to all the Shocks of Fate?"
• "The animadverſions of critics are commonly ſuch as may eaſily provoke the ſedateſt vvriter to ſome quickneſs of reſentment and aſperity of reply."