Quiet
'kwaɪət
Definitions
3 meaningsMaking little or no noise; free from disturbance.
'kwaɪət
Making little or no noise.
The classroom was quiet during the test.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to read a book. If it's quiet, you can focus! That's what 'quiet' means – no loud sounds bothering you.
👶 For kids: Not making any noise; shhh!
More Examples
I enjoyed the quiet evening at home.
The cat moved with a quiet stealth.
How It's Used
"The library is a quiet place."
"The forest was quiet in the evening."
To make or become silent or still; to calm or pacify.
'kwaɪət
To make or become silent or calm.
The teacher had to quiet the students before starting the lesson.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is super upset. You might try to quiet them down by talking gently or giving them a hug. It's about making someone or something calmer and less noisy.
👶 For kids: To make something not loud.
More Examples
The medicine helped quiet his cough.
She tried to quiet her racing thoughts before the presentation.
How It's Used
"The mother tried to quiet the crying baby."
"The mediator tried to quiet the angry crowd."
A state of silence or tranquility; absence of noise or disturbance.
'kwaɪət
A state of silence or stillness.
She enjoyed the quiet of the countryside.
💡 Simply: Think of a time when you felt super peaceful and relaxed, with no loud noises. That feeling of peace is 'quiet' – a time when everything is still and calm.
👶 For kids: When it's not noisy.
More Examples
The library offers a space for quiet reflection.
The sudden quiet after the storm was eerie.
How It's Used
"He found peace in the quiet of the morning."
"The quiet of the woods was broken by a sudden noise."
Idioms & expressions
keep quiet
To remain silent; not to speak.
"The detective told the witnesses to keep quiet about the investigation."
a quiet life
A life free from stress, excitement, or disturbance; a peaceful existence.
"After retiring, they sought a quiet life in the countryside."
From Old French "coi(t)" meaning "calm, peaceful," ultimately from Latin "quietus" meaning "restful, at rest."
The word 'quiet' has been used in English since the 13th century, evolving from its Latin origins to encompass meanings related to stillness, peace, and silence.
Memory tip
Think of a QUIET library – no noise allowed!
Word Origin
"restful, at rest"