Words / B1

SYL-uh-ns/ˈsaɪləns/

Silence is a lack of sound, or the state of not speaking (often uncountable). Silent is already in the dictionary. Quiet is everyday and weaker. Exam halls: silence from 9.00, not from the first question.

Meaning

A lack of sound, or the state of not speaking (often uncountable).

Examples

• “Silence in the hall is required from 9.00, not from the first question.”
• “A silence in the minutes after the vote is not the same as agreement.”

Good to know

Often uncountable. in silence; break the silence. Adjective: silent. Everyday: quiet. Exams / meetings. Countable in a silence (a pause). Verb (rarer): silence a rumour.

New