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Mute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mute

[mjuːt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

silence

Make less noise, prevent from speaking or expressing oneself.

Synonyms

hush, quiet, shush, silence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mute

Used to describe a person or an event when no sound is made or when someone cannot speak. Also used as a verb to turn off the sound on a device.

  • He remained mute during the meeting
  • Please mute your microphone during the call
silence

Used to indicate a complete absence of sound, or to make a strong request for someone to stop talking. Can be both a noun and a verb.

  • The silence in the room was unsettling
  • Silence your phone before the movie starts
quiet

Used to describe an environment or behavior that is free from noise, or to ask for reduced noise levels. It's a neutral term.

  • It's so quiet in the library
  • Can you be quiet while I'm on the phone?
hush

Often used to ask for silence, typically in a gentle or soothing manner. Suitable for calming down noisy situations.

  • Hush, the baby is sleeping
  • There was a sudden hush when the teacher entered the room
shush

Used to ask someone to be silent in a forceful or impatient manner. It carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • Shush the kids, they're too loud
  • Shush! We're trying to watch the movie

Examples of usage

  • He was forced to mute his thoughts during the meeting.
  • She muted the TV to concentrate on her work.
Context #2 | Verb

technology

Turn off the sound on an electronic device.

Synonyms

disable audio, silence, turn off sound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mute

Repeated entry. See above.
silence

Best used in formal or dramatic contexts where you want to emphasize the absence of sound. It has a more expressive and serious tone.

  • He raised his hand to silence the crowd.
  • The principal stepped in to silence everyone in the assembly.
turn off sound

Ideal for casual settings and everyday conversation. It is straightforward and easily understood.

  • Can you turn off the sound on your phone?
  • She turned off the sound before the meeting started.
disable audio

Most suitable for technical contexts, especially involving software settings where audio functions need to be turned off. Often used in professional and technical documentation.

  • You can disable audio in the settings menu.
  • The software update includes an option to disable audio notifications.

Examples of usage

  • I had to mute my phone during the movie.
  • Don't forget to mute your microphone during the call.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being mute can stem from various psychological conditions, including selective mutism, usually seen in children with anxiety.
  • Non-verbal communication often becomes key for those who are mute, utilizing gestures and body language instead of speech.
  • Studies show that alternative communication methods can help mute individuals express their thoughts and feelings more effectively.

Pop Culture

  • Characters in movies and books sometimes portray mute individuals with unique abilities, showcasing resilience and creativity.
  • Silent films relied on visuals and music to tell stories because the actors couldn't speak.
  • The character of the 'Mute Girl' in popular literature symbolizes empowerment in silence, conveying deep emotions without words.

Education

  • In special education, alternative communication devices are often used to enhance communication for those who are mute.
  • Teaching sign language is a vital skill in classrooms to include and support mute students.
  • Educational strategies focus on creating inclusive environments where all forms of communication are valued.

Origin of 'mute'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mute' comes from the Latin 'mutus', meaning 'silent' or 'dumb'.
  • In the 14th century, it was used in English to describe a person who couldn't speak.
  • The term has evolved but retains its connection to silence and communication.

The word 'mute' originated from the Latin word 'mutus', meaning 'silent' or 'dumb'. Throughout history, 'mute' has been used to describe the action of making something silent or turning off sound. In modern times, with the advancement of technology, the term has also been associated with muting electronic devices such as phones and computers.

See also: muted, mutely, mutual.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,618, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.