silently
UK: ˈsaɪləntli | US: ˈsaɪləntli
adv. without making sound; quietly
adv. in a way that implies secrecy or avoidance of attention
The word "silently" combines "silent," derived from Latin silens (present participle of silere, meaning "to be quiet"), with the adverbial suffix "-ly," which originates from Old English -līce. The suffix "-ly" transforms adjectives into adverbs, indicating manner or quality. Over time, "silent" evolved from Latin through Old French silent, retaining its core meaning of absence of sound, while "-ly" became a standard way to form adverbs in English. The fusion reflects a logical progression: "in a quiet manner."
She tiptoed silently across the room to avoid waking the baby.
The snow fell silently, blanketing the streets in white.
He nodded silently, agreeing without words.
The cat moved silently through the grass, stalking its prey.
The audience listened silently as the speaker shared her story.