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Wordless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wordless

[ˈwərdləs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Unable to express one's thoughts or feelings in words; silent or speechless.

Synonyms

inarticulate, mute, silent, speechless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wordless

Used to describe a state where no words are spoken or written. Often used in situations involving strong emotions or where words are unnecessary.

  • She gave him a wordless hug, conveying all her love without saying a thing.
  • The room was filled with wordless tension as everyone waited for the announcement.
speechless

Often used to describe a temporary state where someone is so shocked, surprised, or impressed that they are unable to speak.

  • She was speechless when she received the award.
  • The beauty of the sunset left him speechless.
silent

Used to describe a complete absence of sound. It can refer to the environment or to individuals who choose not to speak.

  • The library was silent, with only the rustle of pages breaking the silence.
  • He was silent throughout the argument, listening to everyone else speak.
mute

Describes the inability to speak, either temporarily or permanently. It can be used in medical contexts or metaphorically to describe someone's choice not to speak.

  • She remained mute during the entire meeting, refusing to share her opinion.
  • The character was mute from birth and communicated using sign language.
inarticulate

Used when someone is unable to express their thoughts clearly or effectively, often due to nervousness or lack of fluency.

  • He was inarticulate during the interview and struggled to convey his ideas.
  • Despite her inarticulate speech, her passion was evident.

Examples of usage

  • He stood there, wordless, unable to find the right words to express his emotions.
  • She was so overwhelmed with gratitude that she was left completely wordless.
  • The beauty of the scene left him wordless, unable to describe it in any way.
  • I was left completely wordless by the unexpected turn of events.
  • The news of his passing left us all wordless with grief.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, 'wordless' tales often rely on illustrations and imagery to convey stories, like picture books.
  • Famous works like 'The Snowman' by Raymond Briggs is a wordless novel that tells a touching story solely through images.
  • Artists and authors have explored 'wordless' narratives to challenge readers' interpretations and engage their imagination.

Psychology

  • Studies show that humans can communicate effectively without words, using body language, facial expressions, and gestures instead.
  • This form of communication can often convey emotions much more powerfully than spoken words.
  • Wordless interactions, such as shared glances or smiles, often strengthen social bonds and understanding between people.

Art

  • Many expressions in art, such as abstract paintings or sculptures, are considered 'wordless' because they convey feelings and messages without text.
  • Silent films often rely on visual storytelling, making them a classic example of wordless communication in cinema.
  • Art installations sometimes invite viewers to interpret meanings without any written context, creating a deeply personal experience.

Pop Culture

  • Silent or 'wordless' films, like Charlie Chaplin's works, relied on physical comedy and visual storytelling before talkies changed cinema.
  • In modern social media, memes and images often communicate complex ideas or jokes without any words.
  • Many popular songs have instrumental sections that convey emotions without lyrics, highlighting the power of music beyond words.

Origin of 'wordless'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'wordless' combines 'word,' which comes from Old English, and the suffix '-less,' meaning 'without.'
  • 'Word' has roots in the Germanic languages, while '-less' originates from Old English, giving it a long history in the English language.
  • The concept of being 'wordless' can be traced back to early expressions of humanity, where actions and symbols conveyed meaning before spoken language developed.

The word 'wordless' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the combination of 'word' and the suffix '-less', meaning 'lacking'. It captures the idea of being unable to express oneself in words, often due to intense emotions or overwhelming circumstances.

See also: foreword, reword, rewording, worded, wordily, wordiness, wording, wordlessly, wordplay, wordsmith, wordy.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,585, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.