quiet

/ˈkwaɪ.ət/
making little or no noise

She kept the room quiet so the baby could sleep.

She maintained a low-noise environment to help the baby rest.


neutral

making little or no noise

The library was quiet during the exam.

The library maintained a noise-free environment for studying.

He spoke in a quiet voice to avoid waking anyone.

He used a low-volume tone to prevent disturbing others.

Often describes environments, people, or actions where noise is minimal.

neutral

free from disturbance or noise; peaceful

The forest was quiet at dawn.

The forest was undisturbed and calm at sunrise.

She found a quiet spot to read her book.

She chose a peaceful location for reading.

Can describe settings, moods, or periods without interruption.

neutral

to make or become silent

The teacher quieted the class with a single glance.

The teacher silenced the students with a stern look.

Used as a verb to describe the act of reducing noise or activity.

Collocations

keep quietstay silent or calmquiet rooma noise-free spacequiet voicea soft or low tone

Pro Tip

Distinguishing 'quiet' and 'silent'

'Quiet' often implies a lack of noise but allows for subtle sounds, while 'silent' suggests complete absence of sound. For example, a quiet library may have whispers, but a silent one would have no sound at all.

Gold Rule

Using 'quiet' as a noun

As a noun, 'quiet' refers to a state of calm or silence, e.g., 'The quiet of the morning was peaceful.'

Using 'quiet' as a verb

As a verb, 'quiet' means to make or become quiet, e.g., 'The mother quieted the crying baby.'

Word Origin

From Middle English *quyet*, from Old French *quiet*, from Latin *quietus* (rest, calm), from *quies* (rest, quiet).

Usage Notes

Commonly used to describe environments, people, or actions where noise is minimal. As a verb, it can mean to silence or become quiet.

Word Breakdown

quiet
state of calm or low noise
root
English Dictionary