SERENE

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does serene mean? 

• SERENE (adjective)
  The adjective SERENE has 2 senses:

1. not agitated; without losing self-possession

2. completely clear and fine

  Familiarity information: SERENE used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SERENE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Not agitated; without losing self-possession

Synonyms:

calm; serene; tranquil; unagitated

Context example:

tranquil life in the country

Similar:

composed (serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Completely clear and fine

Context example:

serene skies and a bright blue sea

Similar:

clear (free from clouds or mist or haze)

 Context examples 

I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot my horror and misfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first time during many months, calm and serene joy.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

I was about to observe that I again behold the serene spot where some of the happiest hours of my existence fleeted by.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

His sisters looked at each other and at me; we all three looked at him: he was serene as glass.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

She knew that little Ted would turn up again in time, safe and rosy, dirty and serene, and she always received him back with a hearty welcome, for Jo loved her babies tenderly.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Nothing could break in upon that serene intoxication.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Only now did I realize how I had learned to lean upon my companions, upon the serene self-confidence of Challenger, and upon the masterful, humorous coolness of Lord John Roxton.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

That the said Quinbus Flestrin, having brought the imperial fleet of Blefuscu into the royal port, and being afterwards commanded by his imperial majesty to seize all the other ships of the said empire of Blefuscu, and reduce that empire to a province, to be governed by a viceroy from hence, and to destroy and put to death, not only all the Big-endian exiles, but likewise all the people of that empire who would not immediately forsake the Big-endian heresy, he, the said Flestrin, like a false traitor against his most auspicious, serene, imperial majesty, did petition to be excused from the said service, upon pretence of unwillingness to force the consciences, or destroy the liberties and lives of an innocent people.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)

The evening was warm and serene, and we prolonged our walk farther than usual.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

He never looked so serene as he did then.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

The night is serene, sir; and so am I.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)