Words / B2

MYOOT/mjuːt/

Mute means silent, or (as a verb) to turn sound off: mute the clip; a mute button. Silent is everyday; speechless is from shock. Mute until the clip number is called. Noun: a mute (old: a person who does not speak — use person-first language now). Mix-up: moot means debatable; mute vs moat (a ditch). Do not write mute for “moot point”.

Meaning

Silent; not speaking or not making sound; also to turn sound off (verb).

Examples

• “Mute the clip until the clip number is called, the invigilator said.”
• “The film’s mute opening is a technique, which is the silent sense.”

Good to know

mute + device; mute button; remain mute. Everyday: silent. Trap: moot / moat. Exams, media, and literature. No sound, not “debatable”.

Near in meaning

silent

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