Word: Mute

Pronunciation

/ˌmyuːt/

Definitions

• Noun: A person who cannot speak or one who is silent by choice, often due to a physical disability or social constraint. Example: “The main character was a mute witness to the crime.”
• Verb: (1) To silence, suppress, or make quiet. Example: “The teacher muted the background noise with a stern look.” (2) To turn off or reduce the sound volume of something, typically electronic devices like TVs or microphones. Example: “He muted his phone during the meeting.”
• Adjective: (1) Silent, unable to speak. Example: “A mute protest from the audience.” (2) Lacking sound or producing no sound; quiet. Example: “The television was on mute.”

Phrases

• “Mute button”: A button that allows one to temporarily turn off or lower the sound on a device.
• “Mute testimony”: A silent but powerful expression or evidence of something.
• “To fall mute”: To suddenly become silent, usually because of shock or fear.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The village had a special school for teaching sign language to mutes.”
• Verb: “He muted the TV so he wouldn’t disturb others while they slept.”
• Adjective: “In awe, he stood there mute, unable to articulate his feelings.”

Synonyms

• Noun: Silent person, non-speaking individual
• Verb: Silence, hush, quieten, dampen, squelch
• Adjective: Silent, voiceless, speechless, soundless, quiet