silence
/'sailidʤ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- The absence of sound or noise: A state where there is no audible sound.
- The state of being silent or not speaking: A period or condition where someone or a group of people do not speak.
- A refusal or failure to speak out or communicate: The act of withholding speech or comment, often when it is expected.
Verb:
- To cause to be silent; to stop from making noise or speaking: To make someone or something quiet.
- To suppress or prevent expression: To stop someone from expressing opinions, often by force or intimidation.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The silence in the library was absolute.
- His long silence made everyone anxious.
- She interpreted his silence as agreement.
Verb:
- The teacher silenced the noisy classroom with a single look.
- The regime silenced all political opposition.
Advanced Usage
"Silence is golden": A proverb suggesting that it is often wise or valuable to say nothing.
- When they started arguing, I remembered that silence is golden and said nothing.
"To break the silence": To end a period of quiet by speaking or making a sound.
- Finally, someone broke the awkward silence with a joke.
"A deafening silence": A very noticeable and significant lack of response or comment where one is expected.
- His apology was met with a deafening silence from the audience.
Variants and Related Words
Silent (adj): Making no sound; not speaking.
- The witness remained silent throughout the trial.
Silently (adv): In a silent manner.
- She nodded silently in agreement.
Synonyms
- Noun: Quiet, hush, stillness, muteness, reticence.
- Verb: Quiet, hush, mute, stifle, suppress.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
- Silence someone/something down: (Less common) To make someone or something quiet.
- Can you silence down the kids? They're being too loud.
Related Idioms
To suffer in silence: To endure pain or hardship without complaining.
- She suffered in silence for years before seeking help.
To reduce someone to silence: To say or do something that makes someone unable to reply or argue.
- His brilliant argument reduced his critics to silence.
Noun
- the trait of keeping things secret
- a refusal to speak when expected
- his silence about my contribution was surprising
- the absence of sound
- he needed silence in order to sleep
- the street was quiet
- the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking)
- there was a shocked silence
- he gestured for silence
Verb
- keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure
- All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power
- cause to be quiet or not talk
- Please silence the children in the church!