Quieten: meaning, definitions and examples

Utilized when referring to reducing noise or making something less noisy. Often used with children or groups of people.

• Please quieten the children, the baby is sleeping.
• The teacher tried to quieten the noisy classroom.

Typically used when eliminating all sound entirely. Can have a negative connotation if used to suppress speech or opinions.

• The teacher raised her hand to silence the chatter.
• The whistles and cheers were silenced by the sudden announcement.

Used to describe making someone or something less agitated, stressed, or excited. Often refers to emotions and people.

• The therapist helped calm the anxious patient.
• Calm down, everything will be alright.

Used to describe making something motionless or stopping movement, can also imply making something quiet.

• She asked the children to be still and listen.
• The woods were still and silent after the storm passed.

Used when trying to make something or someone less noisy or agitated.

• She tried to quieten the crying baby by rocking him gently.
• He spoke in a low voice to quieten the crowd.

Used to talk about reducing the size, importance, or intensity of something.

• The snowstorms will diminish by the end of the week.
• His reputation was diminished by the scandal.

Used for making something smaller or reducing its effect. Often used with feelings or risks.

• The medication will help to lessen the pain.
• She tried to lessen her anxiety by taking deep breaths.

Often used to describe bringing something under control or calming it. Can have a negative connotation when talking about people.

• They managed to subdue the fire before it spread.
• He had to subdue his anger during the negotiation.