Mutely: meaning, definitions and examples

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mutely

[ˈmjuːtli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a silent or speechless manner

Mutely is an adverb that means in a silent or speechless manner. It is used to describe the action of being quiet or not speaking. When someone communicates mutely, they are using gestures, facial expressions, or other non-verbal cues instead of words. This can be due to shyness, discomfort, or a deliberate choice not to speak.

Synonyms

quietly, silently, speechlessly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mutely	Used when someone communicates without speaking, often due to circumstances where they cannot or prefer not to speak. It can refer to situations where speech is unnecessary or intentionally avoided. She nodded mutely in agreement. He handed her the letter mutely, not wanting to elaborate.
silently	Describes complete absence of sound, typically in a more intense or dramatic setting. It often implies a profound stillness or seriousness. They stood silently as the flag was raised. The room fell silent as she began her speech.
speechlessly	Used to describe someone who is unable to speak often due to shock, surprise, or strong emotion. He was left speechless by the unexpected news. She stared at him speechlessly, not knowing how to respond.
quietly	Appropriate for situations where actions, speech, or noise are done in a soft and gentle manner to not attract attention or disturb others. She spoke quietly so as not to wake the baby. He entered the room quietly and took a seat.

Examples of usage

She nodded mutely, unable to find the right words to express her feelings.
The child stared mutely at the teacher, too nervous to speak up in class.
He stood mutely in the corner, observing the conversation without saying a word.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originates from the Latin word 'mutus', which means 'silent' or 'dumb'.
The transition to Middle English saw the addition of '-ly', turning an adjective into an adverb.
Related words in other languages, like 'muet' in French, also share the meaning of silence.

Literature

In literature, characters often express deep emotions 'mutely' to convey unspoken tension or conflicts.
Notable scenes in classics, like Shakespeare’s plays, feature characters communicating significant thoughts without words.
The concept of muteness is often used to depict powerlessness or oppression in novels and poetry.

Psychology

Non-verbal communication, like body language, can convey messages as powerfully as spoken words.
Research shows that people often understand more from facial expressions when someone speaks 'mutely'.
Silence can provoke introspection, allowing the mind to process thoughts more deeply.

Pop Culture

Many films feature 'mute' characters who communicate through gestures, often adding to their depth.
Songs reflecting on themes of silence can evoke strong emotions, resonating with audiences who feel unheard.
The idea of being 'mutely courageous' appears in many action movies, where heroes do great deeds without boasting.

Philosophy

Philosophers often discuss the value of silence, suggesting that sometimes not speaking reveals more than words.
The act of 'mutely' observing can lead to greater wisdom, as it allows for reflection instead of reaction.
Silence and muteness are explored as forms of resistance against oppressive systems in philosophical texts.

Translations

Translations of the word "mutely" in other languages:

🇵🇹 silenciosamente

🇮🇳 मौन

🇩🇪 still

🇮🇩 diam

🇺🇦 мовчки

🇵🇱 milcząco

🇯🇵 無言で

🇫🇷 silencieusement

🇪🇸 en silencio

🇹🇷 suskun bir şekilde

🇰🇷 묵묵히

🇸🇦 بصمت

🇨🇿 mlčky

🇸🇰 mlčky

🇨🇳 默默地

🇸🇮 molče

🇮🇸 þegjandi

🇰🇿 үнсіз

🇬🇪 უმშვენიეროდ

🇦🇿 susqun

🇲🇽 en silencio

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,290 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
30287 facetiously
30288 zeroed
30289 aureole
30290 mutely
30291 potty
30292 requited
30293 vituperation
...