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Speechless: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜ถ
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speechless

 

[หˆspiหtสƒlษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Unable to speak, especially as the result of a strong emotion such as shock or anger. Being speechless can also indicate being at a loss for words or unable to find the right words to express oneself.

Synonyms

mute, silent, wordless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
speechless

Used when someone is so shocked, surprised, or amazed that they can't speak.

  • She was speechless when she won the award.
  • The news left him speechless.
mute

Often used to describe someone who is physically unable to speak, or when someone refrains from speaking. Though literal use is neutral, figurative use can sometimes be seen as insensitive.

  • He was born mute and communicates through sign language.
  • The character remained mute during the whole trial.
silent

Used when someone or something is not making any sound. Can also be figuratively used to describe a lack of communication or response.

  • The room was completely silent.
  • His silent demeanor made everyone uncomfortable.
wordless

Describes a situation where no words are spoken, often emphasizing the emotional or unspoken understanding.

  • They exchanged a wordless glance, understanding each other perfectly.
  • The wordless agreement between them was clear.

Examples of usage

  • I was completely speechless when I heard the news.
  • She was so speechless with anger that she couldn't even respond.
  • The beauty of the landscape left him speechless.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'speechless' has roots in Old English, combining 'speech' meaning to talk and 'less' meaning without.
  • The term dates back to the 14th century, originally describing someone unable to speak due to emotional reasons.

Psychology

  • Experiencing speechlessness often reflects a powerful emotional reaction, like joy, anger, or shock.
  • People may become speechless when they are overwhelmed by unexpected information or events, indicating a temporary pause in processing.

Literature

  • In many classic literature pieces, characters become speechless to emphasize their internal conflict or the weight of a shocking revelation.
  • The concept of being 'speechless' can symbolize the limit of language in expressing deep emotions or experiences.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'speechless' has been frequently used in songs and movies to convey moments of surprise or intense feelings.
  • In social media culture, saying 'Iโ€™m speechless' often accompanies shocking news or stunning images.

Communication Studies

  • Being speechless is a common phenomenon in communication studies, illustrating the intersection of emotions and verbal expression.
  • Communication can be significantly affected by non-verbal cues when one is speechless, leading to deeper emotional connections.

Translations

Translations of the word "speechless" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sem palavras

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคฟเคƒเคถเคฌเฅเคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช sprachlos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ terdiam

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะตะทะผะพะฒะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ oniemiaล‚y

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่จ€่‘‰ใ‚’ๅคฑใฃใŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sans voix

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sin palabras

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sessiz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ง๋ฌธ์ด ๋ง‰ํžŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุงุฌุฒ ุนู† ุงู„ูƒู„ุงู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ beze slov

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bez slov

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ— ่จ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ brez besed

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ orรฐlaus

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัำฉะทัั–ะท

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒซแƒšแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sรถzsรผz

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sin palabras

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,738, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.