FELL SILENT Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "fell silent" refers to the sudden cessation or interruption of sound, noise, or speech, resulting in a complete absence of sound or communication. It describes the state or action when a previously audible or talkative environment becomes quiet, still, or devoid of any audible activity.
When a place or an audience "falls silent," it suggests that all previously present sounds, voices, or discussions have ceased abruptly. It implies a hush or stillness that spreads over a particular area, often as a result of an unexpected event, surprise, or shock. This state of silence may occur due to a profound sense of awe, fear, seriousness, or respect. It can also signify a pause in conversation, as for example, when a group stops speaking to listen or pay attention to someone or something else.
The phrase "fell silent" can also describe the action of an individual who stops speaking abruptly, often due to an emotional or psychological reason. This can happen when someone is deeply lost in thought, feeling hesitant, nervous, or overwhelmed, or experiencing a sudden realization or revelation that renders them momentarily speechless.
In summary, "fell silent" refers to the sudden cessation of sound or speech in a given environment, either by a group or an individual, resulting in a complete absence of noise or communication.
Common Misspellings for FELL SILENT
- dell silent
- cell silent
- vell silent
- gell silent
- tell silent
- rell silent
- fdll silent
- frll silent
- f4ll silent
- f3ll silent
- fekl silent
- fepl silent
- feol silent
- felk silent
- felp silent
- felo silent
- fell ailent
- fell zilent
- fell xilent
- fell dilent
Etymology of FELL SILENT
The phrase "fell silent" is an idiom that combines the verb "fell" with the adjective "silent".
"Fell" in this context comes from the Old English word "feallan", which means "to fall". Originally, "fell" was used to refer to dropping or descending in a physical sense. However, over time, it began to be used metaphorically to describe sudden changes or stops in various situations.
"Silent", on the other hand, comes from the Middle English word "sylent" or "sylence", which derived from the Old French word "silence". This word ultimately comes from the Latin root "silentium", meaning "stillness" or "quiet".
When combined, the phrase "fell silent" is used to convey the idea that something or someone abruptly stopped making noise or speaking, creating a quiet or still atmosphere.
