keep silent
The teacher asked the students to keep silent during the exam.
The teacher asked the students to remain quiet during the exam.
to not speak or make noise
The doctor told the patient to keep silent while examining.
The doctor told the patient to remain quiet while examining.
The audience was asked to keep silent during the performance.
The audience was asked to remain quiet during the performance.
This phrase is commonly used to instruct someone to stop talking or making noise.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'keep silent' in formal contexts, while 'shut up' is more informal and can be rude.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The phrase 'keep silent' is often used in formal or instructional settings, such as in classrooms or professional environments.
Word Origin
The phrase 'keep silent' is a combination of the verb 'keep' and the adjective 'silent', both of which have Old English origins. 'Keep' comes from the Old English 'cēpan', meaning 'to observe or follow', while 'silent' comes from the Latin 'silens', meaning 'quiet'.
Usage Notes
This phrase is often used in formal or instructional contexts to request quietness. It can also be used metaphorically to imply secrecy or avoidance of discussion.