sedate UK /sɪˈdeɪt/US /səˈdeɪt/adjective 5verb 2forms 7 adjective5 •Of a person or animal, or their behaviour: calm and composed (often in a dignified manner), and avoiding or unaffected by activity or excitement.But vvhen […] vvilfulness [in a child] evidently shevvs it self, and makes Blovvs necessary, I think the Chastisement should be a little more Sedate and a little more Severe, […] — 1693 •Of writing: not emotional; calm, composed. •Of an object, particularly a building: not overly ornate or showy; not having a strong colour or design.Facing the Parliament Buildings across James’ Bay arose a sedate stone and cement Post Office. — 1942 •(no longer used) Of one's mind, thoughts, etc.: calm, sober.[W]e shall leave them to their ovvn sedate and composed Reflections. — 1702 •(no longer used) Of an object: not moving; at rest, quiet, still; also, moving smoothly and steadily.[T]he river vvhich before vvas straight, she [Nitocris] made crooked vvith great vvindings, that it might be more sedate and less apt to overflovv. — 1728 verb2 •To give (a person) a sedative to calm them or put them to sleep; to tranquilize.Though he may have been sedated, he knew I was there, knew who I was, knew I was talking to him. — 1986 •(no longer used) To make (someone or something) calm or tranquil; to assuage, to calm, to soothe. formssedated · sedating · sedates · more sedate · sedater · most sedate · sedatest
