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soundlessly

C2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /sˈaʊndləslɪ/

US

  • /sˈaʊndləsli/

Description

To move soundlessly is to do so without making any audible noise, like a cat crossing a soft carpet or a shadow slipping across the floor. It often suggests that nothing can be heard, whether that happens on purpose or naturally. A feather might fall soundlessly onto a rug, while a dropped hammer clearly would not.

The word is formed by combining "sound" with the suffixes "-less" and "-ly." It means more than just being quiet. It gives the idea of complete silence as something moves, falls, or appears. You might describe snow falling soundlessly, or a ghost gliding through a hall in a gothic tale.

Examples

  1. 1

    Quiet movement

    The cat landed soundlessly on the carpet.

  2. 2

    Appliances

    The new dishwasher runs almost soundlessly.

  3. 3

    Silent communication

    She mouthed “thank you” soundlessly from across the room.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • soundlesslyadverb