hushed
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Quiet, subdued, or softened in tone or volume: Describes a sound, voice, or atmosphere that is very quiet, low, or muffled, often to avoid being overheard or to create a sense of calm, secrecy, or reverence.
- Characterized by silence or quiet: Describes an environment or a group of people that is silent or speaking very softly.
Usage and Examples
- Adjective:
- The library was hushed, with only the soft rustling of pages. (The library was very quiet.)
- They spoke in hushed tones about the secret plan. (They spoke in very quiet, soft voices.)
- The crowd fell hushed as the speaker took the stage. (The crowd became silent.)
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "hushed atmosphere": An environment of quiet and calm.
- The museum had a hushed atmosphere, perfect for contemplation.
- "in hushed reverence": With a quiet, respectful silence.
- The audience listened in hushed reverence to the veteran's story.
Variants and Related Words
- Hush (verb/noun): To make or become quiet; a state of silence.
- The mother tried to hush the crying baby. (Verb)
- A hush fell over the room. (Noun)
- Hush-hush (adjective, informal): Secret, confidential.
- The project is hush-hush; we can't discuss it.
Synonyms
- Quiet: Making little or no noise.
- Subdued: Quiet and rather reflective or depressed; softened in intensity.
- Muted: (Of a sound or voice) quiet and soft.
- Soft-spoken: Speaking or said with a gentle, quiet voice.
Antonyms
- Loud: Producing or capable of producing much noise.
- Boisterous: Noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy.
- Deafening: Extremely loud.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- In hushed tones/voices: Speaking very quietly.
- The news was discussed in hushed tones around the office.
- A hushed silence: A profound, expectant, or respectful quiet.
- His announcement was met with a hushed silence.
Adjective
- in a softened tone
- hushed voices
- muted trumpets
- a subdued whisper
- a quiet reprimand