If you are that person who skims through written texts pretty fast, chances are that you cannot notice the difference between closely spelled words, and a good example is the terms tranquility and tranquillity. So, are both terms correct, and what are the differences and similarities, if any?
Tranquility means “a disposition free from stress or emotion.” It is an alternative spelling for tranquillity. In contrast, tranquillity means “the state of being tranquil or the absence of disturbance.” Tranquillity is also “the quality of calm experienced in places with natural features.”
Currently, English is the most spoken language globally, with many words that vary in spelling based on accent or location. Therefore, you will often encounter words like tranquility and tranquillity. Read on for more details about these words.
Definitions Of Tranquility And Tranquillity
Tranquility and tranquillity are easily confused words because of their similar spellings. The definitions of tranquility and tranquillity are:
Definitions Of Tranquility
Tranquility means “a disposition free from stress or emotion.”
Another source defines tranquility as “a state of peace and quiet.” You’ll also notice that several sources refer to tranquility as the alternative spelling of tranquility.
Definitions Of Tranquillity
The simplest definition of tranquillity is “a state of being tranquil.”
Tranquil also means “free from commotion or tumult, peaceful, quiet, or calm.” That simply means “free from or unaffected by disturbing emotions, serene, or placid.”
For example, “Mark lives a tranquil life.” That means the absence of disturbance and stress in Mark’s life. That’s a life characterized by calmness, composure, or a peaceful state.
When referring to surroundings, tranquillity means “the quality of calmness experienced because of serenity brought about by natural features and free from man-made disturbances.”
How To Properly Use Tranquility And Tranquillity In A Sentence
Tranquility and tranquillity are simple words you can use in everyday conversations as long as you understand their definitions. Consider the following tips when using both words in sentences:
How To Use The Word Tranquility
Use this word as a noun in the following contexts:
- Referring to a state of calmness or peace
- Showcasing a state of mental ease
- Emotional calmness and composure
- An intense period of rest or relaxation
Other tips to keep in mind when using a noun in a sentence are:
You can use this noun as the subject of your sentence. A subject is the person, place, or item that performs the action denoted by the verb. For example, “The tranquility is unique.” In this example, “tranquility” is the subject, and the corresponding verb is “unique.”
You can use this noun as the object of your sentence. A sentence object is a target or the noun that receives the action performed by a subject. For example, “Enjoy the tranquility of the venue.” In this example, “tranquility” is the object because it is being “enjoyed.”
You can use this word to complement the subject or object in your sentence. For example, “The tranquility is heavenly” or “The ladies enjoyed tranquility and peace.”
Note: tranquility is an uncountable noun. That means it lacks a plural form. So, use the same form in plural or singular contexts. However, in specific contexts, like referring to various types or collections of tranquilities, you can use the plural form.
When using the word tranquility in a plural context, instead of using the plural form, which is incorrect, you can use “plenty of.” For example, “The family enjoyed plenty of tranquility during their trip.” This example is plural, but the word tranquility retains its uncountable form. So, the words “plenty of” emphasize the plural nature of the sentence.
Also, use the term as an adverb meaning “not alarmingly.” An adverb is a word that modifies, qualifies, or changes another word. Use the word “tranquility” to modify an adjective, verb, clause, or adverb.
How To Use The Word Tranquillity
Tranquillity is an alternative word for tranquility. Therefore, these words are synonyms. For this reason, you can apply the tips above also when using this word in sentences. However, it would be wiser to use this word when writing in British English than American English.
Tranquility vs Tranquillity: The Comparison
The only difference between these words is the extra letter “l” in the second spelling. However, digging deeper, you will discover other similarities and differences between these words. Check out the pointers below to understand the comparison between tranquility and tranquillity:
Popularity And Usage
Tranquility and tranquillity are both popular English words. However, the spelling “tranquility” is predominantly prevalent in the U.S. American English and countries that speak this dialect. In contrast, tranquillity is predominantly prevalent in British English.
In more general contexts, tranquility is more prevalent. For this reason, some sources refer to “tranquillity” as an incorrect spelling, which shouldn’t be the case. However, a majority of the sources recognize that both words are correct.
History And Etymology
Tranquility comes from the Late 14th century Old French word “tranquilite,” meaning “peace and happiness.” It also has roots in the Latin word “tranquillatatem,” a normative of “tranquillitas,” meaning “quietness, stillness, serenity.”
In contrast, tranquillity comes from the 12th-century Latin word “tranquillus.” It means “quiet, calm, and still.” Other sources explain that both words have the same origin, just as they are alternative forms of each other. So, you can refer to their origin as their similarity.
Pronunciation And Syllables
Pronunciation is how you articulate words when speaking them. Words like tranquility and tranquillity are slightly more complicated to pronounce. The best way to master proper pronunciation is by breaking down the words into syllables.
A syllable is a segment of a sound. Break down the words tranquility and tranquillity into four syllables (each). So, the syllables in tranquility are “/tran-quil-i-ty/,” and the syllables in tranquillity are “/tran-quil-li-ty/.” Despite the different spellings, these words have the same pronunciation. The proper way to pronounce these words is “/trang-kwil-i-tee/.”
List Of Examples Of Tranquility And Tranquillity Use In Sentences
It’s correct to say tranquility and tranquillity are synonyms. They are also straightforward words that you can easily apply in sentences once you know all their meanings. Keenly look at the following sample sentences as inspirations before constructing sentences with these words:
Example sentences of tranquility
- Mary ate the fish in silence while enjoying the tranquility of mother nature around the hotel.
- Felix and Dave enjoyed the ranch’s tranquility as they celebrated their business anniversary.
- The hotel’s tranquility brought out the best of my mother’s character.
- The tranquility of the countryside is the best thing for your mental health.
- Dean and Melisa did not have time to enjoy the tranquility of the holiday vacation.
Example sentences of tranquillity
- The city’s tranquility is so unique that you will not want to leave when you experience it.
- We stood in silence in the garden for several minutes while absorbing the total tranquility before starting the therapy session.
- My mother enjoyed the domestic tranquility she secured when she retired from work.
- The restaurant owner worked hard to achieve the tranquility his clients enjoy today.
- Our parents asked us to leave the room so they could enjoy the tranquility of the sleepy village video.
Word Comparison Posts
Conclusion
Tranquility and tranquillity are correctly spelled English words with similar meanings. You can use these words interchangeably. However, since tranquility is more prevalent in the U.S. or American dialect, ensure that you use it when addressing the American audience.
In contrast, since tranquillity is more prevalent in the British dialect, you should use it in sentences featuring all British English words. Combining American and British English dialects creates confusion and makes your context confusing.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.