SILENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Silence is a noun that refers to the absence or state of sound or noise. It is a condition marked by tranquility and the absence of any audible vibrations or disturbances. In this context, silence can be understood as the absence of speech, music, or any other audible form of expression. It is often associated with calmness, serenity, and stillness.
Silence can also be seen as a deliberate decision to not speak or communicate, particularly in certain situations or contexts. It can be an intentional act of refraining from vocal expression as a means to convey a message, convey respect, or maintain confidentiality. Silence in this sense can communicate various emotions, such as anger, sadness, consent, or disapproval.
Furthermore, silence can also pertain to a state of mental or emotional quietude, where one experiences a calm and peaceful internal state. It is the absence of mental chatter, thoughts, or distractions, allowing for contemplation, reflection, and inward focus. Silence in this regard can be sought after as a means of finding solace, achieving tranquility, or seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Silence is a multifaceted concept that can have different meanings depending on its context. Whether it applies to the absence of sound, the withholding of speech, or the state of inner peace, silence plays a significant role in human communication, expression, and personal introspection.
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• Entire absence of sound or noise; temporary cessation of speech in man; stillness; quiet.
• To restrain from noise or speaking; to still; to appease; to stop; to put an end to.
• Let there be no speech or noise.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SILENCE *
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Other Common Misspellings for SILENCE
Etymology of SILENCE
The word "silence" originated from the Latin word "silēns" (genitive silentis), which is the present participle of the verb "silēre" meaning "to be still, be silent, not to speak". This Latin term is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *sayǝ- meaning "to be quiet, settle". In Old English, the word was "silen" which eventually evolved into "silence" in Middle English, retaining its meaning of quietness or absence of sound.
Idioms with the word SILENCE
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silence is golden
The idiom "silence is golden" means that it is often better to remain quiet or say nothing in certain situations, as silence can be more valuable or preferable than speaking.
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reduce sm to silence
The idiom "reduce someone to silence" means to make someone stop talking or become speechless, usually as a result of a shocking, embarrassing, or overwhelming situation or comment. It implies that something has been said or done that leaves the person unable or unwilling to respond verbally.
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break the silence
The idiom "break the silence" means to end a period of silence or to speak up after a prolonged quietness.
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break silence
The idiom "break silence" means to end a period of silence or to speak up after a quiet or uncommunicative period. It can also refer to breaking a public or official silence on a particular issue or topic.
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break (one's) silence
The idiom "break one's silence" means to begin speaking or sharing information after a period of silence or secrecy. It refers to breaking the habit of not speaking up or keeping quiet about a particular matter, usually due to fear, privacy concerns, or unwillingness to disclose information.
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speech is silver, but silence is golden
The idiom "speech is silver, but silence is golden" means that sometimes it is better to remain silent or not speak at all, as silence can be more valuable or beneficial than speaking. It emphasizes the idea that in certain situations, saying nothing can be more wise or effective than speaking words.
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blue code of silence
The idiom "blue code of silence" refers to an unwritten rule or informal understanding among police officers not to report or expose the misconduct or wrongdoing of their colleagues. It signifies the loyalty and solidarity within law enforcement, where officers protect and cover up for each other, even if it means withholding information, ignoring or concealing illegal activities, or failing to report unethical behavior.
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blue wall of silence
The idiom "blue wall of silence" refers to the unwritten code or understanding among law enforcement officers to not report or expose the misconduct or wrongdoing of their fellow officers. It is a phenomenon where police officers protect and support each other by remaining silent, even in the face of illegal or unethical actions, creating a united front against external scrutiny or investigation.
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code of silence
The idiom "code of silence" refers to an unwritten rule or understanding among a group of people that they will not reveal or disclose certain information, usually involving illegal or unethical activities. It implies that members of the group maintain secrecy and refuse to cooperate with authorities or disclose any incriminating information. This code is often based on loyalty, fear, or a sense of belonging to the group, and it can create a strong barrier to obtaining or revealing information.
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speech is silver, silence is gold
The idiom "speech is silver, silence is gold" means that sometimes it is better to remain silent rather than speaking. While speech may have its value, silence is often more valuable, as it can prevent misunderstandings, maintain inner peace, and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
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speech is silver, silence is golden
The idiom "speech is silver, silence is golden" means that sometimes it is better to remain silent rather than speaking, as silence can be more beneficial or wise. It emphasizes the value and power of silence in certain situations.
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silence means consent
The idiom "silence means consent" suggests that when a person remains silent or does not object to something, it can be interpreted as agreement or approval.
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a pregnant pause/silence
A pregnant pause/silence refers to a significant and meaningful pause or period of silence in a conversation or presentation. It is typically used to emphasize anticipation, tension, or expectation, as if something important or significant is about to happen or be said. This pause holds a certain weight or significance, often conveying a deeper meaning or allowing the listeners to ponder or reflect.
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a heavy silence/atmosphere
The idiom "a heavy silence/atmosphere" refers to a situation or environment that is filled with tension, unease, or weightiness. It describes a silence or atmosphere that is thick, oppressive, and often uncomfortable due to the underlying emotions or intensity of the situation at hand.
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a conspiracy of silence
The idiom "a conspiracy of silence" refers to a situation where a group of people agree to keep quiet about a specific topic or issue that should be addressed or discussed openly. It implies a deliberate effort to maintain secrecy or withhold information for various reasons, such as protecting someone's reputation, avoiding embarrassment, or covering up a wrongdoing. In such cases, individuals involved in the conspiracy choose not to speak out or reveal the truth, creating a collective silence that hides certain truths or facts.
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Silence gives consent.
The idiom "Silence gives consent" means that if someone remains quiet or doesn't object to something, it can be taken as an agreement or acceptance of what has been said or done.
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conspiracy of silence
The idiom "conspiracy of silence" refers to a situation where a group of people deliberately avoids discussing or acknowledging a specific topic, typically a sensitive or controversial one. It involves a tacit agreement among the individuals involved to withhold information or refrain from open discussion, often with the intention of protecting themselves or maintaining a certain status quo.
Similar spelling words for SILENCE
Conjugate verb Silence
CONDITIONAL
I
would silence
you
would silence
he/she/it
would silence
we
would silence
they
would silence
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be silencing
you
would be silencing
he/she/it
would be silencing
we
would be silencing
they
would be silencing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have silence
you
would have silence
he/she/it
would have silence
we
would have silence
they
would have silence
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been silencing
you
would have been silencing
he/she/it
would have been silencing
we
would have been silencing
they
would have been silencing
FUTURE
I
will silence
you
will silence
he/she/it
will silence
we
will silence
they
will silence
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be silencing
you
will be silencing
he/she/it
will be silencing
we
will be silencing
they
will be silencing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have silenced
you
will have silenced
he/she/it
will have silenced
we
will have silenced
they
will have silenced
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been silencing
you
will have been silencing
he/she/it
will have been silencing
we
will have been silencing
they
will have been silencing
IMPERATIVE
you
silence
we
let´s silence
to silence
PAST
I
silenced
you
silenced
he/she/it
silenced
we
silenced
they
silenced
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was silencing
you
were silencing
he/she/it
was silencing
we
were silencing
they
were silencing
PAST PARTICIPLE
silenced
PAST PERFECT
I
had silenced
you
had silenced
he/she/it
had silenced
we
had silenced
they
had silenced
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been silencing
you
had been silencing
he/she/it
had been silencing
we
had been silencing
they
had been silencing
PRESENT
I
silence
you
silence
he/she/it
silences
we
silence
they
silence
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am silencing
you
are silencing
he/she/it
is silencing
we
are silencing
they
are silencing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
silencing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have silenced
you
have silenced
he/she/it
has silenced
we
have silenced
they
have silenced
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been silencing
you
have been silencing
he/she/it
has been silencing
we
have been silencing
they
have been silencing
I
would have silenced
we
would have silenced
you
would have silenced
he/she/it
would have silenced
they
would have silenced
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