tentram

Tentram is an adjective in Indonesian and Malay that describes a state of peace, quiet, or calm. It is used to characterize environments, life situations, or feelings that are free from disturbance or distress. Common collocations include suasana tentram (a tranquil atmosphere) and hidup tentram (a peaceful life). The term often appears in formal writing, literature, and discussions of well-being, harmony, and social stability.

Etymology and related forms: Tentram is closely linked to other calm-focused terms in the Malay-Indonesian lexicon, such as tenang and damai. The noun form ketentraman denotes tranquility or serenity, while the related adjective tenteram can appear in phrases like keadaan tenteram (a peaceful condition). These forms share a grounding in the sense of stable, undisturbed peace.

Usage notes: Tentram can describe external conditions, such as a quiet rural village or an orderly society, as well as internal states, like a person feeling at ease or content. It carries a positive connotation, often implying a sustained or enduring peace rather than a fleeting moment of calm. In cross-dialect use, it is widely understood in both Indonesia and Malaysia, though "tenang" may be more common in everyday speech while "tentram" can appear more in literary or formal contexts.