Quiet: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคซ
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quiet

 

[หˆkwaษชษ™t ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

noise level

making little or no noise; free of noise or uproar

Synonyms

calm, peaceful, silent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quiet

Suitable for describing an environment with little noise, or a person who speaks softly or rarely.

  • The library is a quiet place to study
silent

Describes an absence of any sound, often used to indicate complete muteness or stillness.

  • The room was completely silent as everyone waited for the announcement
calm

Used to describe a situation or person's state of tranquility, free from stress or excitement.

  • After taking a deep breath, she felt more calm and ready to speak
peaceful

Often implies a sense of serenity and low conflict, both in environment and mood.

  • The countryside was so peaceful, with just the sound of birds singing

Examples of usage

  • The library should be a quiet place for studying.
  • The baby finally fell asleep in the quiet room.
Context #2 | Noun

personality trait

the quality of being quiet or silent

Synonyms

reserved, reticence, silence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quiet

Identical to the first 'quiet'; can be used interchangeably.

  • He enjoys a quiet evening at home.
  • The town was quiet after the storm.
silence

Use when there is an absence of sound or talking. It can also indicate a deliberate choice to not speak.

  • The silence in the room was unsettling.
  • Her silence spoke volumes about her feelings.
reserved

Use when describing someone who does not show their feelings or thoughts easily.

  • He is a reserved person and doesn't talk much about his personal life.
  • She remained reserved during the discussion.
reticence

Use when talking about a reluctance to speak or express thoughts. It has a slightly formal or intellectual tone.

  • His reticence made it difficult to understand his true feelings.
  • The reticence of the witness was noticeable.

Examples of usage

  • Her quiet was often mistaken for shyness.
  • I admired her quiet and calm demeanor.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'quiet' comes from the Latin word 'quies', meaning rest or peace.
  • In Old French, 'quiet' was 'cuit', which also related to 'calm' or 'peaceful'.
  • The word has been used in English since the 14th century, describing being free from disturbance.

Psychology

  • Studies show that quiet environments can enhance focus and productivity, making it easier to think clearly.
  • Research indicates that too much noise can lead to increased stress levels, which is why quiet spaces can feel calming.
  • Silence can have profound effects on our mental health, often providing a moment for reflection and inner peace.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, quietness is associated with meditation and mindfulness, where silence helps people connect with themselves.
  • Japanese tea ceremonies emphasize quietness to create a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.
  • In Western traditions, quietness is often valued in libraries and places of worship, highlighting respect for thought and spirituality.

Sound Studies

  • The study of acoustics examines how sound behaves in different environments, often noting that quiet spaces are essential for sound health.
  • White noise can mask distracting sounds, helping people maintain a quiet atmosphere for work or relaxation.
  • There is a trend of creating 'quiet zones' in public spaces to offer respite from urban noise.

Literature

  • Many poets use quietness as a theme to explore feelings of solitude, peace, or introspection.
  • Quiet moments in novels often serve as turning points, leading characters to important realizations.
  • Classic literature often portrays quiet as a counterbalance to chaos, emphasizing the significance of peaceful settings.

Translations

Translations of the word "quiet" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น quieto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเคพเค‚เคค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ruhig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tenang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะธั…ะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ cichy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้™ใ‹ (ใ—ใšใ‹)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท calme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tranquilo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sessiz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์กฐ์šฉํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‡ุงุฏุฆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tichรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tichรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฎ‰้™ (ฤn jรฌng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tih

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rรณlegur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ั‹ะฝั‹ัˆ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒงแƒœแƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sakit

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tranquilo

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,236, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.