silence

Everyday

1. Silence is when there is no sound at all. tree →
2. Silence is also when people are not talking. tree →
3. To silence means to make someone or something quiet. tree →
4. A minute's silence is a short time when people stay quiet to remember someone. tree →

In the lessons

In school, teachers ask for silence during tests and in the library. In ceremonies, like Remembrance Day (UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) or a funeral, people keep a minute's silence. In stories, silence builds suspense or shows someone is upset. Phrases: in silence, break the silence, a minute's silence, silence please, an awkward silence.

Examples

• Silence, please! The test has started. tree →
• We walked through the forest in silence. tree →
• A loud bang broke the silence. tree →
• There was a long silence after the bad news. tree →
• The class kept a minute's silence for the soldiers. tree →
• She silenced her phone in the cinema. tree →
• In the silence we could hear an owl. tree →
• His silence told me he was upset. tree →
• There was a splash, and then silence. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable (some silence, a long silence is also fine). Adjective: silent; adverb: silently. «Quiet» means a little noise; silence means none. Silence is not the same as agreeing; you can say no.

In Jewish tradition

In school, teachers ask for silence during tests and in the library. In ceremonies, like Remembrance Day (UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) or a funeral, people keep a minute's silence. In stories, silence builds suspense or shows someone is upset. Phrases: in silence, break the silence, a minute's silence, silence please, an awkward silence.

Examples

• And Moses and the priests the Levites spoke unto all Israel, saying: 'Keep silence, and hear, O Israel; this day thou art become a people unto the LORD thy God. (Torah DEU.27.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• O God of my praise, keep not silence; (Writings PSA.109.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• These things hast thou done, and should I have kept silence? (Writings PSA.50.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence for my counsel. (Writings JOB.29.21, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Usually uncountable (some silence, a long silence is also fine). Adjective: silent; adverb: silently. «Quiet» means a little noise; silence means none. Silence is not the same as agreeing; you can say no.