Silent

Table of contents

1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Adjective 1.2.1 Synonyms 1.2.2 Translations 1.3 Noun

English

Etymology

Latin silens, -entis, p. pr. of silere to be silent; akin to Gothic ana-silan.

Adjective

1. Free from sound or noise; absolutely still; perfectly quiet.

   • How silent is this town! Shakespeare

2. Not speaking; indisposed to talk; speechless ; mute; taciturn; not loquacious; not talkative .

   • Ulysses, adds he, was the most eloquent and most silent of men. Broome .
   • This new-created world, whereof in hell Fame is not silent. Milton.

3. Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed ; as, the wind is silent. Parnell . Sir W. Raleigh.
4. (Pronunciation) Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent; as, "e is silent in fable."
5. Having no effect; not operating; inefficient.

   • Cause ... silent, virtueless, and dead. Sir W. Raleigh .

Silent partner . See Dormant partner , under Dormant .

Synonyms

• Mute
• Taciturn
• Dumb
• Speechless
• Quiet
• Still.

Translations

• Finnish: hiljainen (1-2)

Noun

1. That which is silent; a time of silence.

   • The silent of the night." Shakespeare