Meaning & use
soundless communication
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountable
The sharing of information or feelings without making any noise, for example through gestures, facial expressions, or written signs.
Grammar: Used without 'a' or a plural: 'soundless communication is important'. You can say 'a form of soundless communication'.
Patterns
- soundless communication between people
- a form of soundless communication
- use soundless communication
In a library, students often rely on soundless communication such as hand signals.
Deaf people may use sign language as a rich system of soundless communication.
The soldiers used soundless communication to avoid being detected by the enemy.
noununcountabletechnical
The exchange of data or signals between devices without audible sound, often using light or radio waves.
Grammar: Technical use; often appears in phrases like 'soundless communication system'.
Patterns
- soundless communication system
- soundless communication technology
The new hearing aid uses soundless communication to connect to a smartphone.
Infrared remotes are an early example of soundless communication between devices.
Common combinations
- a form of soundless communication
- Winking is a form of soundless communication.
- soundless communication between
- There was soundless communication between the two dancers as they moved.
- rely on soundless communication
- Scuba divers rely on soundless communication using hand signs.
- soundless communication system
- The factory installed a soundless communication system for workers in noisy areas.
Synonyms and how they differ
- nonverbal communication
- A broader term that includes body language and tone of voice; 'soundless communication' specifically means no sound at all.
- silent communication
- Very close in meaning, but 'silent' can suggest complete absence of noise, while 'soundless' is more technical and neutral.
Opposites
Word family
- soundless adjective
- Making no sound; completely quiet.
- communicate verb
- To share information or feelings with others.
- communication noun
- The act of sharing information or feelings.
- communicative adjective
- Willing to talk and share information.
Commonly confused: soundless communication or silent communication?
soundless communication vs silent communication
Often used interchangeably, but 'silent' can simply mean 'without speaking' while still allowing some sound, whereas 'soundless' means absolutely no sound.
Practice
The team used ______ to coordinate their movements without making any noise.
Choose one answer.
'Soundless communication' is the correct noun phrase. 'Sound communication' would mean communication that is good or reliable, not without noise; 'soundless communicate' is a verb form and does not fit after 'used'; 'soundless communicative' is an adjective and cannot be the object of 'used'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “soundless communication”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.