Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Lacking the sense of hearing and the ability to speak: Describes a person who is both profoundly deaf and unable to speak vocally. This term is now considered outdated and often offensive.

2. Noun:

   • A deaf person who is unable to speak: Refers to a person who is both profoundly deaf and does not use spoken language. This term is now considered outdated and often offensive.

Usage

• Important Note on Usage: The terms "deaf-mute" and "mute" are largely considered outdated, imprecise, and potentially offensive in modern English. They are discouraged in favor of more specific and respectful language.
• The adjective form is used to describe a person's condition.
• The noun form is used to refer to a person with that condition.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The historical document referred to the child as being deaf-mute.
• Noun:
  • The old law used the term "deaf-mute" in its text.

Advanced Usage / Notes

• Modern Preferred Terminology: Contemporary usage strongly prefers specific, person-first, or identity-first language that does not define a person solely by their disability.
  • "Deaf person who does not speak" or "non-speaking deaf person" are descriptive alternatives.
  • Many individuals use "Deaf" (with a capital D) to refer to cultural and linguistic identity within the Deaf community, where sign language is the primary mode of communication. Not all culturally Deaf people are non-speaking.
  • The term "mute" is particularly discouraged as it is inaccurate; many deaf people have vocal cords and choose not to use them for speech, preferring sign language.

Variants and Related Words

• Deaf (adj.): Lacking or deficient in the sense of hearing.
• Nonverbal (adj.): Not involving or using words or speech. (Note: This is a broader term and not specific to deafness).
• Sign language (n.): A visual-manual language used primarily by Deaf communities.

Synonyms (with important contextual notes)

• Speechless (adj.): Temporarily unable to speak, often due to strong emotion. Not a synonym for the permanent condition described by "deaf-mute."
• Dumb (adj./archaic): An old term meaning unable to speak. Now considered highly offensive and should be avoided.

Related Phrases / Collocations

• Profoundly deaf: A description indicating a very significant or total loss of hearing.
• Uses sign language: A neutral phrase describing a common mode of communication for many deaf people.
• Communication method: A neutral term for how a person communicates (e.g., sign language, writing, gestures).

Adjective

1. lacking the sense of hearing and the ability to speak

Noun

1. a deaf person who is unable to speak