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Voiceless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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voiceless

[ˈvɔɪsləs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sounds

Having no voice or vocal sound. Lacking the ability to produce speech or vocal sounds.

Synonyms

mute, quiet, silenced.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
voiceless

This word appears to be repeated. Please refer to the first entry for 'voiceless'.
mute

This word is best used to describe someone who cannot speak, often because of a medical condition. It can also describe something that's been intentionally silenced or kept quiet.

  • The child was born mute and communicated using sign language
  • He hit the mute button on the remote to silence the commercial
silenced

This word suggests that someone or something has been forcibly prevented from speaking. It often has a negative connotation, implying oppression or suppression.

  • The protesters were silenced by the authorities
  • His voice was silenced by the overwhelming noise of the crowd
quiet

Use 'quiet' to describe an environment, person, or situation with very little noise. It's a neutral term and can also imply calmness or serenity.

  • The library was quiet, perfect for studying
  • She is a quiet person who enjoys reading books

Examples of usage

  • The voiceless girl communicated through sign language.
  • The voiceless consonants in the English language include /p/, /t/, and /k/.
Context #2 | Adjective

powerless

Without a voice or say in a situation. Unable to make oneself heard or influence decisions.

Synonyms

marginalized, powerless, unheard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
voiceless

Often used to describe individuals or groups who lack the opportunity to express their opinions or feelings.

  • The campaign aims to give a platform to the voiceless
  • He felt voiceless in the new committee
powerless

Used when someone or a group feels that they have no control or influence over a situation.

  • She felt powerless against the big corporation
  • In the face of the natural disaster, everyone felt powerless
unheard

Describes a situation where someone's voice, opinion, or concerns are ignored or not listened to.

  • The employees' complaints went unheard
  • Many people feel unheard in the political process
marginalized

Refers to individuals or groups that are pushed to the edge of society, making them less important or disregarded.

  • The program is designed to support marginalized communities
  • They felt marginalized in their own country

Examples of usage

  • The voiceless minority struggled to have their concerns addressed.
  • Many marginalized groups feel voiceless in society.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • In phonetics, voiceless sounds are produced without vibrating the vocal cords, like the sounds 's' and 'f'.
  • Voiceless consonants play a key role in many languages, helping to differentiate words, like 'bat' (voiced) and 'pat' (voiceless).

Social Issues

  • The term 'voiceless' is often used to describe marginalized groups who lack the means or opportunity to express their rights and opinions.
  • Activism focuses on giving a voice to the voiceless, ensuring that everyone can share their story and be heard.

Philosophy

  • The concept of 'voicelessness' can also pertain to those unable to advocate for themselves, raising ethical questions about representation and agency.
  • Philosophers argue that understanding voiceless perspectives is crucial for moral development and empathy.

Cultural References

  • In literature, protagonists often speak for the voiceless, resonating with themes of justice and rebellion.
  • Artistic expressions, like films and books, frequently explore the theme of voicelessness to highlight social injustices.

Psychology

  • Feelings of being voiceless can contribute to anxiety and depression, as individuals may feel their emotions or thoughts are invalidated.
  • Therapeutic practices often encourage individuals to find their voice, promoting self-expression and validation.

Origin of 'voiceless'

The word 'voiceless' originated from the combination of 'voice' and the suffix '-less', denoting without. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the absence of sound or the lack of vocal expression. Over time, 'voiceless' has evolved to encompass not only literal vocalizations but also the lack of influence or power in various contexts.

See also: invoice, unvoiced, voice, voiced, voiceover.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,983, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.