Silence
Silence is the absence of sound or speech, and it can also refer to a refusal to speak or communicate.
Silence refers to the absence of sound or speech, and can also mean a refusal to communicate. As a verb, it means to make quiet or stop someone from speaking.
What it is
In everyday language, silence is used to describe a lack of sound or a pause in conversation. Extended senses include secrecy, obscurity, or omission of mention. The word also functions as a verb, meaning to suppress noise or speech.
Why it matters
Beyond its literal meaning, silence carries philosophical and cultural weight. It can signify contemplation, restraint, protest, or exclusion. In Canada, silence is often observed in public ceremonies, such as a minute of silence for remembrance.
Key details
Common expressions include 'keep silence', 'break the silence', and 'under silence'. In music, silence is notated as a rest. French sources also note 'silence radio' as a specialized sense. These uses show how silence is both a basic concept and a nuanced tool in communication.
In short
- Absence of sound or speech
- Can indicate secrecy or refusal to speak
- Also a verb meaning to quiet someone
- Used in music as a rest
Silence is relevant to Canadian readers as a common English concept used in everyday speech, literature, music, and public ceremonies, including moments of silence for remembrance.
Quick questions
What does silence mean in English?
Is silence only a noun?
Does silence have a meaning in music?
Sources
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silenceSupports: Definitions of silence as absence of sound, absence of mention, secrecy, and the verb sense meaning to cause to be silent.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/silenceSupports: Definitions of silence as complete quiet, not speaking or communicating, and making something or someone quiet.
- Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/silence_1Supports: Definitions of silence as lack of noise, a situation when nobody is speaking, public silence, and communication silence.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/silenceSupports: Definitions including absence of sound, muteness, omission of mention, secrecy, and verb senses to still or quiet.
- Le Robert — https://dictionnaire.lerobert.com/definition/silenceSupports: French-language senses including not speaking, absence of noise, minute of silence, silence radio, and musical silence.
- Justia Legal Dictionary — https://www.justia.com/legal-dictionary/silence/Supports: Legal senses involving refraining from speech or communication and intentionally not revealing information.