Quiet Meaning and Definition
Quiet
Pronunciation
/ˈkwaɪɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A state or period of stillness, silence, or calmness, often lacking in noise, movement, or agitation.
Examples
- The library was filled with quiet contemplation as students studied for their exams.
- The summer evening air was quiet and still, with only the occasional chirp of a cricket breaking the silence.
- The monastery was a place of quiet reverence, where monks could find peace and meditation.
- The crowd was quiet as the judge delivered the verdict, their faces somber and intent.
- The room fell silent, except for the quiet hum of the air conditioner and the distant sounds of the city.
Synonyms
- Silence
- Stillness
- Calmness
Antonyms
- Noise
- Chaos
- Turbulence
Additional Information
Quiet is often used to describe a period or situation where there is a lack of noise or disturbance, allowing for contemplation, reflection, or rest. In some cultures, quiet is associated with reverence, respect, or mindfulness, and is often used in religious or sacred contexts.
Etymology
The word “quiet” comes from the Old French word “quiet,” meaning “peaceful” or “still,” which is derived from the Latin word “quīetus,” meaning “quiet” or “still.”
Usage Notes
When using “quiet” to describe a place, consider the context and the level of noise present. For example, a “quiet café” might refer to a café with a moderate level of background noise, while a “quiet library” might refer to a library with almost no noise.
Cultural References
In the movie “The Secret in Their Eyes,” the protagonist’s quiet contemplation in a park is a turning point in the plot. In the novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the protagonist’s quiet acts of defiance in a totalitarian society are a testament to her resilience.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Keep quiet” means to be silent, while “quiet as a mouse” means to be extremely quiet or stealthy.
Related Words or Phrases
Words closely related to “quiet” include “silent,” “still,” and “calm,” while phrases such as “in the quiet of the night” or “in the quiet of the morning” evoke a sense of peacefulness and contemplation.
Collocations
“Quiet” often collocates with words like “night,” “morning,” “evening,” or “midnight,” as in “a quiet night” or “a quiet morning.”
Frequency of Use
According to corpus studies, “quiet” is a relatively common word in modern language, with an average frequency of use in written and spoken English.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “quiet” include “quite,” “quite a bit,” and “quietly.”