Quietness: meaning, definitions and examples

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quietness

[ˈkwaɪətnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a room

The state or quality of being quiet; tranquility; calmness.

Synonyms

calm, peacefulness, silence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quietness	Typically implies the absence of noise and can be applied to an environment or situation. It often has a neutral to slightly positive connotation. The quietness of the room made it a perfect place to read. The forest was filled with the quietness of nature.
silence	Describes a complete lack of sound and can sometimes imply awkwardness, discomfort, or eeriness in addition to peacefulness. It can have either positive or negative connotations depending on the context. The room fell into an awkward silence after his comment. She enjoyed the silence of the night, finding it peaceful.
peacefulness	Often used to describe a deeper sense of quiet that is associated with the absence of conflict, stress, or worry. It carries positive connotations and is usually about both the setting and emotional state. The peacefulness of the countryside is unmatched. Meditation brings a sense of peacefulness to my mind.
calm	Refers to a state of tranquility or lack of disturbance, not just in terms of sound but also emotionally and environmentally. It is often used to describe settings, emotions, or situations. The calm sea made it perfect for sailing. Despite the chaos around her, she remained calm and composed.

Examples of usage

The quietness in the room was so peaceful.
I could hear the quietness of the night outside.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a person's demeanor

The quality of being unobtrusive or unassertive.

Synonyms

modesty, reserve, restraint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quietness	This word is best used to describe a peaceful or silent environment or person's demeanor. It can refer to the absence of noise or a calming state. The quietness of the library makes it a perfect place to study. Her quietness during the meeting was notable.
modesty	Use this word when talking about a person's humble attitude or lack of arrogance. It often refers to having a moderate opinion of one's own abilities or achievements. His modesty about his achievements made him very likable. Despite her success, she maintained an air of modesty.
reserve	This word refers to a person's habit of not showing their feelings or thoughts openly. It often denotes a controlled, less expressive demeanor. She spoke with reserve, choosing her words carefully. His reserve made it difficult to understand what he truly felt.
restraint	This word is used when referring to self-control or holding back from acting on an impulse. It can refer to emotional control or physical limitation. He showed restraint by not arguing back. Her restraint in difficult situations was admirable.

Examples of usage

Her quietness often led others to underestimate her abilities.
He possessed a quietness that made people feel at ease around him.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in nature

The absence of noise; peace and stillness.

Synonyms

hush, serenity, tranquility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quietness	A general state or quality of being quiet. Suitable for describing a steady, calm environment without any noise. The quietness of the library helped her to concentrate on her studies. He enjoyed the quietness of the early morning hours.
serenity	Denotes a state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. Often used to describe an internal state of mind or the beauty of nature. She found serenity in her yoga practice. The serenity of the mountain lake was breathtaking.
tranquility	Refers to a state of peace and quiet, often associated with natural settings or personal relaxation. Similar to serenity but can also describe external environments. They were seeking a place of tranquility for their vacation. The tranquility of the countryside was a welcome escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
hush	Often used to describe a sudden silence, or to instruct someone to be silent. Can carry a sense of urgency or command. 'Hush,' she whispered as they sneaked into the room. There was a hush in the crowd as the performer took the stage.

Examples of usage

The quietness of the forest was broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves.
In the early morning hours, the quietness of the lake was undisturbed.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'quietus', meaning 'calm, resting' which later evolved through Old French.
In English, it has been used since the late 14th century to describe tranquility and peace.
The root word 'quiet' has held the same essence of calmness across languages like French (tranquille) and Spanish (tranquilo).

Psychology

Studies show that quiet environments can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Quietness allows for deeper concentration and creativity, as the brain can focus better without distractions.
Many mental health experts recommend quiet activities, like meditation or solitude, to promote emotional well-being.

Literature

Quietness is often used by poets and writers to convey solitude and introspection, inviting readers to reflect on their thoughts.
In classic literature, peaceful settings are frequently referenced to set the mood and tone, often symbolizing inner peace.
Famed writers like Virginia Woolf have explored the idea of quietness as a place of refuge in their works, highlighting its importance.

Nature

Quietness in nature is essential for many animals, as it helps them stay safe from predators and find their mates.
Different environments, like forests or deserts, have unique quietness, impacting the wildlife that inhabits them.
Listening to quietness in natural settings can lead to improved mental health and connection to the environment.

Cultural Perspectives

In many Eastern cultures, quietness is revered as a state of being that leads to wisdom and deeper understanding.
Various spiritual practices, such as Buddhism, emphasize quietness as a way to achieve clarity and enlightenment.
Conversely, in some cultures, quietness may be viewed less favorably, with more emphasis placed on communal and noisy gatherings.

Translations

Translations of the word "quietness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quietude

🇮🇳 शांति

🇩🇪 Stille

🇮🇩 ketenangan

🇺🇦 тиша

🇵🇱 cisza

🇯🇵 静けさ (shizukesa)

🇫🇷 calme

🇪🇸 tranquilidad

🇹🇷 sessizlik

🇰🇷 고요함 (goyoham)

🇸🇦 هدوء

🇨🇿 klid

🇸🇰 pokoj

🇨🇳 安静 (ān jìng)

🇸🇮 tišina

🇮🇸 kyrrð

🇰🇿 тыныштық

🇬🇪 სიწყნარე (siq'nare)

🇦🇿 sakitlik

🇲🇽 tranquilidad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,984, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19981 disfigured
19982 rampart
19983 prefabricated
19984 quietness
19985 delirious
19986 nicknamed
19987 slough
...