to be silent

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Making no sound or noise; completely quiet.

   Grammar: Used after 'be' or 'fall': The room was silent. It can describe places or things.

   Patterns

   • be silent
   • fall silent

   The house was silent except for the ticking clock.

   After the announcement, the whole room was silent.

   The forest was silent in the early morning.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Choosing not to speak, especially because of anger, shock, or secrecy.

   Grammar: Used about people: He was silent about the plan.

   Patterns

   • be silent about something
   • remain silent

   She was silent for a long time after hearing the news.

   He was silent about his reasons for leaving.

   The witness chose to remain silent.

Common combinations

completely silent

The audience was completely silent during the speech.

silent for a moment

He was silent for a moment, then answered.

remain silent

She decided to remain silent about the argument.

silent as a grave

The old church was silent as a grave.

Synonyms and how they differ

quiet

'Quiet' means little noise; 'silent' means no noise at all. A library can be quiet but not completely silent.

mute

'Mute' means unable to speak, often for medical reasons; 'silent' means choosing not to speak or making no sound.

speechless

'Speechless' means unable to speak because of strong emotion; 'silent' can be a choice or simply no sound.

Opposites

Word family

silence noun

A complete lack of sound or speech.

silently adverb

Without making any sound.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “to be silent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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