silence
UK: ˈsaɪləns | US: ˈsaɪləns
n. the complete absence of sound
n. the state of being silent or refraining from speech
vt. to cause or compel to be silent
silence = sil<quiet> + ence<noun suffix>
- sil (from Latin silēre, meaning "to be quiet")
- ence (a noun-forming suffix indicating a state or condition, from Latin -entia)
Etymology Origin:
The word "silence" traces back to Latin silentium, derived from silēre ("to be quiet"). The root sil- conveys the core idea of quietness, while -ence transforms it into a noun denoting a state. Over time, the term evolved through Old French silence before entering Middle English, retaining its original meaning of absence of sound or speech.
The library was filled with an eerie silence.
She broke the silence with a sudden laugh.
The teacher silenced the noisy classroom with a stern look.
In meditation, seekers often strive for inner silence.
The treaty imposed a silence on the controversial topic.