B2noun1K

Silence

UK /["/ˈsaɪləns/"]/US /["/ˈsaɪləns/"]/

Definition

a complete lack of noise or sound

In simple words: The absence of sound or noise.

Examples

  • After the loud concert, there was a beautiful silence that enveloped the room.
  • In the middle of the chaos, a moment of silence can bring clarity and peace.
  • The silence between them spoke volumes about their unspoken feelings.
  • He decided to break the silence with a light-hearted joke.
  • In silence, they reflected on the events of the past week.

Usage notes

Use 'silence' when referring to a lack of noise. Appropriate in most contexts, but be cautious in formal situations where you might need to clarify its significance.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'silent' and 'silence' — without sound, you are silent.

Collocations

  • lengthy
  • long
  • prolonged
  • moment
  • maintain
  • break
  • interrupt
  • come over something
  • descend
  • fall
  • in (the) silence
  • two minutes’ silence
  • three minutes’ silence
  • lengthy
  • long
  • prolonged
  • moment
  • maintain
  • break
  • interrupt
  • come over something
  • descend
  • fall
  • in (the) silence
  • two minutes’ silence
  • three minutes’ silence
  • deafening
  • dignified
  • deliberate
  • keep
  • maintain
  • take as
  • surround
  • silence from
  • a conspiracy of silence
  • a wall of silence
  • a vow of silence

Synonyms

  • quiet

Antonyms

  • noise
  • sound
  • clamor

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'silence' with 'silently' - they have different grammatical uses.
  • Using 'silence' as a verb incorrectly in informal contexts.
  • Misunderstanding the emotional connotation of silence in social situations.