hushed
/hʌʃt/“The library was hushed, with only the turning of pages breaking the silence.”
The library was very quiet, with only the sound of pages turning.
Quiet and silent, often in a way that suggests reverence, secrecy, or tension.
The courtroom fell hushed as the judge entered.
The courtroom became very quiet as the judge entered.
She spoke in a hushed tone, as if sharing a secret.
She spoke softly, as if sharing a secret.
Often used to describe a deliberate or tense silence, rather than just the absence of noise.
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💡Pro Tip
Context Matters
Use 'hushed' to describe a deliberate or tense silence, not just any quiet environment.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'hushen' (to quiet), possibly of imitative origin.
📝Usage Notes
Often used in literary or formal contexts to convey a sense of solemnity, secrecy, or tension.