silence
/ˈsaɪlən(t)s/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.46 in modern English
9
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
Refraining from speaking, for purposes of prayer or meditation; especially, a form of worship practiced by the Society of Friends (Quakers) during meetings.
Uncountable
verb
To block gene expression.
verb
To murder.
Example Sentences
- "When the motor stopped, the silence was almost deafening."
- "Words like violence break the silence / Come crashing in into my little world"
- "deadly silence"
- "in silence"
- "There was a dead silence for a few seconds."
- ""You have the right to silence," said the police officer."
Etymology
From Middle English silence, from Old French silence, from Latin silentium (“silence”), from silēns (“quiet, silent”, present participle of silēre) + -ium. Displaced native Old English swīġe and sālnes.
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: silence, silentium