Hushed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คซ
hushed
[hสสt ]
Definitions
in a quiet or subdued manner
Hushed means to make or become silent, still, or calm, especially by gentle shushing sounds or gestures. It can also refer to a state of quietness or silence, often associated with an atmosphere of reverence or secrecy.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hushed |
Used to describe a place or situation where people are speaking very softly or not at all, often due to respect or secrecy.
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| quiet |
Refers to an environment with low noise levels, or to a person who doesnโt speak much.
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| silent |
Indicates complete absence of sound, often used in a dramatic or solemn setting.
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| calm |
Describes a situation or state of mind where there is no excitement, disturbance, or need for urgency.
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Examples of usage
- The teacher hushed the students by raising a finger to her lips.
- The hushed audience waited in anticipation for the performance to begin.
- The hushed library was a peaceful place for studying.
- The hushed tones of the conversation indicated its confidential nature.
- The hushed beauty of the sunrise filled the room with a sense of tranquility.
to quiet or silence someone or something
When used as a verb, hushed means to calm or quiet someone or something, usually by speaking softly or making soothing sounds. It can also refer to the act of silencing noise or commotion.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hushed |
Used to describe a situation or atmosphere where people have fallen silent or are speaking very softly, often due to awe, respect, or secrecy.
|
| quiet |
Refers to an absence or minimal presence of noise. It's used when you want to convey stillness or the need to avoid making noise.
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| silence |
Describes the complete absence of sound. It can also indicate an order or request for complete quietness.
|
| calm down |
Used as a command or suggestion to help someone reduce their anger, stress, or anxiety. It can be directive, and sometimes may seem dismissive if not used carefully.
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Examples of usage
- The mother hushed her crying baby by rocking him gently.
- He hushed the barking dog by speaking in a soothing tone.
- The librarian hushed the noisy patrons in the reading room.
- She hushed the crowd with a wave of her hand.
- The calming music hushed the tensions in the room.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In poetry, 'hushed' often evokes a sense of calmness or tranquility, setting the mood for reflection or serenity.
- Many authors use hushed scenes to heighten tension, immersing readers in suspenseful moments.
Psychology
- 'Hushed' environments can trigger feelings of peace and focus, making them ideal for meditation and studying.
- Silence and quietness can enhance one's ability to think deeply and creatively.
Pop Culture
- Songs often use 'hushed' moments to create emotional impact, allowing listeners to feel the weight of a lyric.
- In cinema, scenes can become more powerful when dialogue fades into hushed sounds, emphasizing dramatic moments.
Nature
- Early mornings or late evenings are often hushed in nature, filled with the soft sounds of rustling leaves and distant creatures.
- Certain animals, like deer, thrive in hushed environments, enabling them to sense danger more effectively.
Origin of 'hushed'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'hushed' comes from the Middle English word 'hushen,' which meant to silence or quiet down.
- It is related to the Old English word 'huscan,' which carried a similar meaning of quieting.
The word 'hushed' originated from Middle English 'husht', which is related to the word 'hush'. 'Hush' has its roots in Old Norse 'hussa', meaning 'to suppress'. Over time, 'hushed' evolved to describe a state of quietness or calmness, often associated with secrecy or reverence. The word has been used in English literature for centuries to convey a sense of tranquility or stillness.