Soundless: meaning, definitions and examples

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soundless

[ˈsaʊndləs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a quiet manner

Completely silent or making no sound; without noise.

Synonyms

noiseless, quiet, silent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
soundless	Suitable for describing an environment or situation where absolutely no sound is present at all. It often suggests an eerie or unnatural silence. The soundless night was unsettling, making the old house seem even more haunted The astronaut floated in the soundless void of space, isolated and alone
silent	Refers to something that makes no noise at all. It is often used to describe moments needing respect, tension, or secrecy. The room fell silent as the judge entered They walked through the silent hallways of the museum, speaking in hushed tones
quiet	Used to describe a place, person, or situation with minimal noise. It suggests calmness and peacefulness, not complete absence of sound. The library was quiet, with only the soft rustle of pages and occasional whispers He enjoyed the quiet morning, drinking his coffee in peace
noiseless	Best used to describe something that typically makes noise but, in this instance, does not. It can imply a careful attempt to avoid making noise. She closed the door as noiselessly as possible, trying not to wake the baby The car moved through the street in a nearly noiseless glide, the engine barely a whisper

Examples of usage

The soundless night was interrupted only by the occasional hoot of an owl.
The soundless room felt eerie and unsettling.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

not making any noise

Having no sound; noiseless.

Synonyms

muted, quiet, silent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
soundless	Used when there is an absolute absence of sound, often to describe an environment or an action that happens in complete silence. The forest was soundless at night, eerie in its complete quiet. The movie depicted a moment of soundless terror, where even a scream couldn't be heard.
muted	Applicable when sounds are present but reduced in volume or intensity, often used to describe subdued sounds or colors. The conversation in the library was muted, with people speaking in hushed tones. Her laughter was muted, barely audible over the background noise.
silent	Indicates a complete lack of sound, often used to describe an environment where one expects some noise or for dramatic effect. The room fell silent as the news was announced. During the movie, the audience remained silent, absorbed in the story.
quiet	Describes a low level of noise, where sounds are present but not loud. Suitable for calm, peaceful settings or when asking for reduced noise levels. The garden was quiet, with only the soft chirping of birds. Can you please be quiet? I'm trying to concentrate.

Examples of usage

The soundless footsteps of the ninja allowed him to move stealthily.
The soundless operation of the machine was a result of its advanced technology.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the combination of 'sound' and the suffix '-less,' which means 'without.'
It is derived from Old English 'sund,' meaning 'to be free from noise.'
The term has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe silence.

Literature

Writers often employ 'soundless' to create a sense of stillness or isolation in their narratives.
In poetry, describing a scene as 'soundless' can evoke strong emotions and emphasize the beauty of silence.
Classic works like Edgar Allan Poe’s stories often use soundless settings to build suspense or foreboding.

Psychology

Silence is known to have calming effects, often used in meditation practices to promote relaxation.
The absence of sound can affect mood, leading people to feel more peaceful or introspective.
Research indicates that soundless environments may enhance focus and creativity by eliminating distractions.

Science

In physics, absolute 'soundlessness' is theoretically unattainable, as even the quietest environment has some ambient noise.
Research in acoustics studies how soundless spaces affect our perception and behavior.
Soundless settings are often used in experiments to better understand human sensory processing.

Pop Culture

Many horror movies use soundless moments to heighten suspense before sudden frightful actions.
In films and animations, scenes portraying soundless communication emphasize emotion and connection between characters.
Popular songs sometimes reflect themes of silence, showcasing the contrast with surrounding noise.

Translations

Translations of the word "soundless" in other languages:

🇵🇹 silencioso

🇮🇳 निर्वात

🇩🇪 lautlos

🇮🇩 tanpa suara

🇺🇦 беззвучний

🇵🇱 bezgłośny

🇯🇵 無音

🇫🇷 silencieux

🇪🇸 silencioso

🇹🇷 sessiz

🇰🇷 무음

🇸🇦 بلا صوت

🇨🇿 bez zvuku

🇸🇰 bez zvuku

🇨🇳 无声

🇸🇮 brez zvoka

🇮🇸 hljóðlaus

🇰🇿 дыбыссыз

🇬🇪 უხმო

🇦🇿 səssiz

🇲🇽 silencioso

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,014 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30011 marooned
30012 lewdness
30013 fielder
30014 soundless
30015 cleverer
30016 clueless
30017 imprudently
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