WordGarden.iosilent
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈaɪlənt/
US
- /ˈsaɪlənt/
Meanings
Adjective
making no sound or almost no sound
not speaking or not openly expressing something
written but not pronounced, as in a silent letter
More meaningsFewer meanings
made without spoken dialogue or synchronized sound, as in silent film
Beyond the definition
To be silent means to make no sound or not to speak—like a sleeping cat, a snow-covered forest, or a person who stays quiet during a hard moment. But "silent" can also describe someone choosing not to speak, even when they could. A witness might remain silent during a trial to protect themselves, or a friend might give you the silent treatment after an argument. Sometimes silence speaks louder than words!
Think of a library—it's intentionally silent to allow for reading and study. Or consider a dramatic scene in a movie where everything goes silent just before something big happens. That's the power of silence: it can be peaceful, tense, or even defiant.
"Silent" most commonly describes an absence of sound. A silent night, a silent room, a silent film—all evoke a sense of quiet and stillness. But "silent" is more nuanced than simply lacking noise. It speaks to a state of being, a choice, or even a powerful emotion.
A person can be silent by choosing not to speak—perhaps out of respect, secrecy, anger, fear, or deep thought. "She remained silent throughout the interrogation" suggests she deliberately withheld information. "He offered a silent apology" means he expressed regret without using words.
The word can also be used figuratively. A silent protest is one conducted without shouting or speeches, relying instead on visual displays and symbolic actions. A silent partner in a business doesn't publicly participate in daily operations but shares in the profits.
Historically, silence has held various cultural meanings—sometimes valued as wisdom, other times seen as disapproval. In many traditions, moments of silent meditation are considered essential for inner peace and clarity.
So whether it's the hush of nature, a deliberate choice to withhold speech, or a powerful form of expression—silence is far from empty; it's often filled with meaning, emotion, and untold stories.
Examples
- 1
Quiet house
The house was completely silent after the children went to bed.
- 2
Sudden quiet
The room fell silent when the doctor came in.
- Phrasefall silent
become quiet
- 3
Phone setting
I had my phone on silent, so I didn't hear your call.
- Phraseon silent
set so it does not ring
- 4
Meeting
She stayed silent during the meeting, even when people asked for her opinion.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Job departure
He has been silent about why he left his last job.
- Patternsilent about + topic
not saying anything about it
- 6
Conflict
After their argument, Maya gave her brother the silent treatment.
- Phrasethe silent treatment
refusing to talk to someone because you are angry
- 7
Pronunciation
The "k" is silent in the word "knife."
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- silentadjective