quietqui‧et1 /ˈkwaɪət/ ●●● S2 W2 adjective (comparative quieter, superlative quietest) 
We’ll have to be quiet so as not to wake the baby. It’s a nice car. The engine’s really quiet. I’ll be as quiet as a mouse (=very quiet).2not speaking a)not saying much or not saying anything: You’re very quiet, Mom – is anything the matter? I didn’t know anything about it so I just kept quiet. The crowd went quiet.quiet confidence/satisfaction/desperation (=having a particular feeling but not talking about it) a woman whose life of quiet desperation threatens to overwhelm herquiet authority/dignity (=not saying much but making other people have a particular feeling about you) Jack’s air of quiet authority b)someone who is quiet does not usually talk very much: a strange, quiet girl3(be) quiet! spoken used to tell someone to stop talking or making a noise: Tanya, be quiet! I’m on the phone. Quiet, you lot!4keep something quiet/keep quiet about something to keep information secret: You’re getting married? You kept that quiet!5place with no noise a place that is quiet has no noise or not much noise: Our hotel room was comfortable and quiet. When they walked into the pub, the place went quiet.6no activity/people without much activity or without many people: It was a Sunday, about three o'clock, and the streets were quiet. I’d love to go on holiday somewhere where it’s nice and quiet. Anthony met her in the bar, and they found a quiet corner where they could talk. I’m going to have a quiet night in (=an evening when you stay at home and relax). He wants a quiet life, while she wants to go out partying.7business if business is quiet, there are not many customers SYN slack: August is a quiet time of year for the retail trade.8keep somebody quiet to stop someone from talking, complaining, or causing trouble: Give the kids some crayons – that will keep them quiet for a while.9have a quiet word (with somebody) especially British English to talk to someone privately when you want to criticize them or tell them about something serious: Brian’s just not keeping up with the workload. Can you have a quiet word? ► Do not confuse quietwith quite (=fairly).—quietness noun [uncountable] → quietlyTHESAURUSa quiet sound or voicequiet not making a loud sound: · I heard a quiet voice behind me.· a car with a quiet enginelow quiet – especially because you do not want people to hear or be disturbed: · Doug was on the phone, speaking in a low voice.· I turned the volume down low.soft quiet and pleasant to listen to: · Soft music was playing in the background.· His voice was soft and gentle.silent not making any sound at all: · a silent prayer· silent laughter· The machines were virtually silent.hushed deliberately quiet because you do not want people to hear – used about people’s voices: · They were talking about money in hushed tones.· The doctor’s voice was hushed and urgent.faint quiet and difficult to hear because it comes from a long way away: · The men went ahead and their voices got fainter and fainter.· the faint sound of bellsmuffled difficult to hear, for example because the sound comes from another room or someone’s mouth is covered by something: · Muffled voices were coming from downstairs.· the muffled sound of someone cryingdull [only before noun] a dull sound is not loud – used especially about the sound of something hitting another thing: · He hit the ground with a dull thud.inaudible too quiet to hear: · The sound is inaudible to the human ear.· Her answer came in an almost inaudible whisper.a quiet placequiet without much noise: · It’s so quiet here at night.· This is the quietest room in the house to work in.silent with no noise at all: · The room fell silent (=became silent).peaceful (also tranquil especially written) quiet in a pleasant and relaxing way: · Life’s more peaceful in the countryside.· The hotel is set in tranquil surroundings.sleepy [only before noun] quiet – used about a town or village where there are not many people and very little happens: · a sleepy fishing villagenot saying muchquiet not saying much: · He’s a quiet boy who loves reading.· You’re very quiet tonight, Suzy – are you OK?silent not saying anything: · Her husband was a big silent man.· Everyone was arguing but I decided to remain silent.taciturn /ˈtæsətɜːn $ -ɜːrn/ formal not talking much and seeming a little unfriendly or bad-tempered: · He found Vaughn a taciturn and rather difficult person.reticent unwilling to talk to other people, especially about a particular subject: · She’s always been reticent about her early life.a man/woman of few words someone who does not talk much, especially because they only speak when there is something important to say: · My father was a man of few words, but when he spoke everyone listened.
WORD ORIGINquiet1
Origin:
1300-1400 Latin quietus, from the past participle of quiescere ‘to become quiet, rest’, from quies; ➔ QUIET2EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a quiet place in the mountains
- David and I found a quiet corner where we could talk.
- Even on a quiet weekend there are plenty of people on the beach.
- He's nice, but kind of quiet.
- He spoke in a quiet yet confident voice.
- I'm just going to have a quiet evening at home.
- I usually work in the dining room because it's the quietest room in the house.
- I want you all to be very quiet and listen carefully.
- Inside the church it was quiet and peaceful.
- It's been a very quiet morning so far. Only two people came in, and neither of them bought anything.
- Let's have a nice quiet evening in, for a change.
- Madison Plains, Ohio, is a quiet community of 1200 inhabitants.
- Missy's very quiet - is she sick?
- Our new washing machine is much quieter than the old one.
- People sat drinking coffee and having quiet conversations.
- Retailers are worried, as business has been quiet for much of December.
- She said it was beautiful, very quiet, with deserted beaches and clear water.
- Since the last big outbreak of fighting six days ago, the city has been strangely quiet.
- Steven's a very quiet boy who loves reading.
- The baby's sleeping, so we need to be quiet.
- Alvin was becoming known at school as a quiet, confident boy with a facility for languages.
- I tried to imagine why he lived such a quiet and lonely life in this far-off place.
- If he will be quiet I shall tell him what the Labour party proposes to do.
- She saw a quiet serious face, large dark eyes, well-marked brows, sober clothes.
- The new emperor seems a shy, quiet man, an intellectual.
- They shared a quiet laugh, then the cornerboy went off to get Spider, who was making the rounds.
- We made it through, paddling to a quiet spot and awaited the others.
- What I like about the Cerro Colorados is their quiet magnificence.
THESAURUSa quiet sound or voice
not making a loud sound: · I heard a quiet voice behind me.· a car with a quiet engine
quiet – especially because you do not want people to hear or be disturbed: · Doug was on the phone, speaking in a low voice.· I turned the volume down low.
quiet and pleasant to listen to: · Soft music was playing in the background.· His voice was soft and gentle.
not making any sound at all: · a silent prayer· silent laughter· The machines were virtually silent.
deliberately quiet because you do not want people to hear – used about people’s voices: · They were talking about money in hushed tones.· The doctor’s voice was hushed and urgent.
quiet and difficult to hear because it comes from a long way away: · The men went ahead and their voices got fainter and fainter.· the faint sound of bells
difficult to hear, for example because the sound comes from another room or someone’s mouth is covered by something: · Muffled voices were coming from downstairs.· the muffled sound of someone crying
[only before noun] a dull sound is not loud – used especially about the sound of something hitting another thing: · He hit the ground with a dull thud.
too quiet to hear: · The sound is inaudible to the human ear.· Her answer came in an almost inaudible whisper.
a quiet place without much noise: · It’s so quiet here at night.· This is the quietest room in the house to work in.
with no noise at all: · The room fell silent (=became silent).
(also tranquil especially written) quiet in a pleasant and relaxing way: · Life’s more peaceful in the countryside.· The hotel is set in tranquil surroundings.
[only before noun] quiet – used about a town or village where there are not many people and very little happens: · a sleepy fishing village
not saying much not saying much: · He’s a quiet boy who loves reading.· You’re very quiet tonight, Suzy – are you OK?
not saying anything: · Her husband was a big silent man.· Everyone was arguing but I decided to remain silent.
formal not talking much and seeming a little unfriendly or bad-tempered: · He found Vaughn a taciturn and rather difficult person.
unwilling to talk to other people, especially about a particular subject: · She’s always been reticent about her early life.
someone who does not talk much, especially because they only speak when there is something important to say: · My father was a man of few words, but when he spoke everyone listened.
Longman Language Activatorwords for describing a place that is quiet if a place is quiet , there is not much noise there: · Inside the church it was quiet and peaceful.· David and I found a quiet corner where we could talk.· I usually work in the dining room because it's the quietest room in the house.
if a place is silent , there is no noise at all - used especially in stories or descriptions of events: · The streets of the city were silent in the moonlight.· Apart from the humming of the bees, all was silent and still.
if you say you could hear a pin drop , you mean it is very quiet, especially because no one is talking, and even a very small sound would be heard clearly: · It was so quiet in the hall you could hear a pin drop.· After he finished telling the story you could have heard a pin drop.
when there is little or no noise when there are no sounds at all: · Nothing disturbed the silence of the night.· There was a long silence before anyone answered.deathly silence (=a silence that makes people feel nervous and uncomfortable): · "What did you do during the war?" Rob asked. There was a deathly silence, and everyone looked down at the table.
a state in which there is little or no noise, especially in a place where people have all suddenly stopped talking - used especially in stories or descriptions of events: · There was a sudden hush as the musicians came onto the stage.a hush falls/descends (=people stop making noise): · Two men walked in and went up to the bar. A hush fell over the room.
words for describing music, sounds, or voices that are quiet quiet sounds, voices, or music are not loud: · He spoke in a quiet yet confident voice.· There was a quiet knock at the door.
a low voice or sound is quiet and deep: · A low humming noise was coming from the refrigerator.in a low voice (=speaking quietly): · 'Take care,' he said in a low voice.
soft sounds, voices, or music are quiet, gentle, and pleasant: · He spoke with a soft Irish accent.· a whisper so soft that I could scarcely hear it· With candlelight and soft music, you can create a romantic atmosphere in your own home.
muffled voices or sounds are quiet and unclear, especially because they come from behind a wall or door: · We heard muffled shouts and screams from the bar below.· His voice was muffled, "I'm in the bathroom. I'm stuck."
a hushed voice, conversation, crowd etc is intentionally quiet, for example because someone is afraid of being heard or because they are waiting for some important news: · Two men in dark suits were having a hushed conversation in the corner.· A hushed congress heard the official declaration of war.· She spoke in a hushed whisper, "I think my husband knows about us."
a faint sound is quiet and difficult to hear, especially because it comes from a long way away : · Jean opened the window, and heard the faint sound of the bells drifting across the Old Town.· The men went away, and we could hear their voices get fainter and fainter.· There was silence for a moment as they held each other's eyes, broken only by the faint sound of dance music from down below.
formal inaudible sounds are so quiet that you cannot hear them: · Her voice was so faint, it was almost inaudible.· Michael went bright red, and muttering something inaudible, he walked out of the room.· Aunt Jessica let out an inaudible sigh.
words for describing people or machines that are quiet if someone or something is quiet , they make little or no noise: · I want you all to be very quiet and listen carefully.· Our new washing machine is much quieter than the old one.
written not making any sound at all: · The children remained silent and watchful as the police questioned their parents.· The engine is almost silent, even at high speed, and goes like a dream.fall silent (=stop talking): · The crowd fell silent as he stood up to speak.
if you do something or something happens without a sound , you do it or it happens with no noise at all - used especially in stories and descriptions of events: · The animal remained perfectly still, watching us without a sound.· There was a final shudder, and then the ship sank without a sound.· Each man died where he stood; they fell in their tracks without a sound.
to not make any noise at all: · Sit still, and don't make a sound.without making a sound: · She managed to get into the house without making a sound.
written if you do something in silence , you do it without speaking: · Thousands of protesters stood in silence outside the prison gates.· We drank our coffee in silence.in total/complete silence: · The two of them walked all the way to Matilda's house in complete silence.
to become quieter · That buzzing noise seems to be getting quieter now.grow quieter (=get quieter gradually) · As we walked into the woods the noise of the traffic grew quieter.
especially British to stop speaking or making any noise at all, for example because you are shocked or embarrassed: · Lawrence went very quiet after Jo told him how she felt.
if shouting, music, laughter etc dies down , it gradually becomes quieter after being very loud: · Forrester waited for the laughter to die down, then carried on with his speech.· The music was dying down. The show was over.die down to: · Jessie's wails died down to a whimper and then stopped altogether.
if a sound fades away , it gradually becomes quieter until you cannot hear it any more: · The sound of a police siren was slowly fading away into the distance.· She listened to Zach's footsteps fade away, as he walked down the staircase.
to suddenly stop talking and become quiet - used in literature and stories: · Dixon fell silent again, deep in thought.· "I had hoped ....," he began, and then fell silent again.· The bar-room door crashed open and the voices at the tables fell silent.
to speak more quietly because you do not want other people to hear what you are saying: · Kath lowered her voice as she spoke.
to make someone or something quieter British /quiet somebody down American to make someone quieter and calmer, when they are making a lot of noise because they are angry, excited, or upset: · I spent half the lesson trying to quieten them down.· Sue managed to quiet them both down and eventually stopped the argument.
especially written to make someone suddenly stop speaking: · I opened my mouth to speak but she silenced me with an angry look.· Partick was livid, but Jane squeezed his arm to silence him.
to make someone, especially a child, make less noise or make no noise at all, especially by telling them in a quiet voice to stop talking or crying: · I turned to Margaret but was hushed before I could open my mouth.· David hushed me. "Sh-h-h. You're not allowed to speak in here.''· She gave up trying to hush the baby and took him outside.
if something muffles a sound it makes it quieter and less clear: · The snow muffled the sound of the traffic.· He dragged her into the car, putting his hand over her mouth to muffle her screams.· John's voice was muffled by the door, and I couldn't tell what he was saying.
to make a television, radio etc quieter by moving or turning a button or control: turn something/it/them down: · Do you mind turning the radio down?· Turn that music down, you'll wake the whole street!turn down something: · She turned down the volume on the TV and picked up the phone.turn something right downBritish /turn something all the way down American (=make it as quiet as possible): · No wonder you can't hear anything -- you've turned your hearing aid right down.
informal to make someone be quiet, especially by speaking to them rudely or angrily: · Can't you shut those kids up?· The only way to shut her up is to give her something to eat.
what you say to someone to tell them to be quiet spoken say shh when you want someone to speak more quietly or make less noise: · Shh, keep the noise down, Timmy's asleep.
informal a rude way of telling someone to stop talking: · Just shut up, will you! You're giving me a headache!shut up about: · Don't tell Grandma or she'll never shut up about it.· "The war, the war, the bloody war!" said Comfort, banging her fist on the table."Why can't you all shut up about it?"
spoken say be quiet to tell someone to stop talking or to make less noise, especially when you are annoyed with them: · "Be quiet, James!" she snapped.· Boys! Can you be quiet please? I can hardly hear myself think.
say this when you want someone to speak more quietly or make less noise, especially because you do not want other people to hear them: · Keep it down! I'm trying to talk on the phone!· Hey you guys - keep it down, or Mom'll hear!
a place that is not busy · The house is quiet now that the kids are gone.· Madison Plains, Ohio, is a quiet community of 1200 inhabitants.
a sleepy place, especially a small town or village, is never busy and very little happens there: · Sticklepath is a sleepy little town right in the heart of the Devonshire countryside.· It was a sleepy provincial hotel, not used to having more than two people staying there at any one time.
a time when a place is not busy a quiet day, weekend etc is one in which there is very little business or activity and very few people: · It's been a very quiet morning so far. Only two people came in, and neither of them bought anything.· Even on a quiet weekend there are plenty of people on the beach.· This time of the year is always quiet. It gets busy again after winter.
a slow period of time in a shop or business is one in which there are very few customers and there is very little business: · Things have been slow, real slow, for months now.· February is the slowest month in the tourist trade.
especially British the off-peak time , period etc is the time when trains, hotels, tourist areas etc are not busy: · At off-peak times senior citizens can use the sports centre at reduced rates.· Take advantage of off-peak reductions for package holidays.
also out of season British if you go to a tourist area in the off-season or out of season , you go there during that part of the year when it is not busy and is usually cheaper: · We had arrived in Biarritz out of season and most of the hotels were closed.· If you go for a holiday in the off-season, you'll find some real bargains.during the off-season: · During the off-season, rates start at $75 per night for a cabin that sleeps two.
peaceful if a place or situation is peaceful, it makes you feel calm and relaxed because there is no unpleasant noise or activity: · Langcliffe is a peaceful little village.· It's so nice and peaceful here.· After a career as a journalist, she was looking forward to a happy and peaceful retirement.
if a place is calm, there is no violence or excited activity there, especially after a period when there has been violence or excitement: · After yesterday's fighting, the region is now calm again.· Once on board, you can relax in calm, comfortable surroundings.
a quiet place or time is one without much activity, noise, or excitement, or without many people: · Since the last big outbreak of fighting six days ago, the city has been strangely quiet.· The roads are usually pretty quiet at this time of day.a quiet night/evening in (=an evening at home, rather than going out): · Let's have a nice quiet evening in, for a change.a quiet life: · While he liked to go out partying, she wanted a quiet life.
a sleepy town or village is a quiet, peaceful one, where there is very little to do and exciting things do not usually happen: · Ten years ago, this was a sleepy fishing village.· She headed for the High Street, the only lively spot in the sleepy little town.
a place that is tranquil is pleasantly quiet and makes you feel relaxed: · In summer, the normally calm, tranquil streets fill with crowds of tourists.· Efforts are being made to make life more tranquil in Japan's noisy and overcrowded cities.
a restful time or place is a quiet and relaxing one: · I'm looking forward to a quiet, restful summer vacation.· Her suite of rooms was cool and restful.· He woke after a long, restful sleep, feeling refreshed.
without wind, movement, or noise: · It was a long, hot, still September afternoon.· Everything was very still inside the little chapel. Nothing broke the silence.
to not tell other people about a secret to not tell someone about something: · I told you not to tell anyone!· 'Who's that letter from?' 'I'm not telling you.'not tell somebody what/how/why etc: · Henry wouldn't tell me what the surprise was.· Penny laughed, but she wouldn't tell me why.not tell about: · Vinny didn't tell the police about his visit to Mahoney's apartment.· You'd better not tell Elizabeth about this.not tell of: · Margaret had not yet told her sons of her planned engagement.not tell (that): · Carl felt I'd been deceiving him all these years by not telling him I was gay.without telling somebody: · I was annoyed that he'd left without telling me.
to not tell other people something, because you want it to remain secret: · They wanted to keep their relationship secret for as long as possible.· The graves were covered up in a deliberate attempt to keep the killings secret.· So you've been keeping it secret all this time?keep sth secret from: · Mary kept her illness secret, even from family members.
someone who can keep a secret will not tell your secrets to other people, so you can trust them with secret information: · Can you keep a secret?· 'Can I trust you?' 'I'm honest, and I can keep a secret'.
to deliberately not talk about something in public, especially something you are ashamed or embarrassed about: · Parotti had threatened to expose the illegal arrangements unless he was paid $50,000 to keep quiet. · Some people disagree with what the government is doing, but they keep quiet for fear of reprisals.keep quiet about: · We used to keep quiet about some of the things that went on in the prison.keep quiet over: · I think they should have kept quiet over that.keep something quiet (=keep something secret): · The minister denied that the case had been kept quiet or hidden.keep somebody quiet (=do something to stop someone telling a secret): · She'd been brutally murdered to keep her quiet.
to deliberately not tell someone about something, especially because you think they would be upset if they knew the truth: · Edward never told anyone about his illness. He even tried to keep it from his wife.· The president has a reputation for keeping key decisions from even his closest aides.· She tried in every way to keep the truth from her parents.
to not allow people to know about something that has been officially planned or decided: be kept under wraps: · It's been suggested the report was kept under wraps to avoid controversy.· Ford's new range of cars is being kept firmly under wraps until the Geneva auto show.
the ability to judge when you should or should not tell people things that you know about someone or something: · Absolute discretion is required from everyone working for the Royal Family.leave something to somebody's discretion: · I leave it to your discretion as to whether you should tell your colleagues.show/exercise discretion: · TV commentators have shown great discretion, glossing over the problems in her personal life. · Can junior managers be trusted to exercise discretion when making decisions?be the (very) soul of discretion (=be the sort of person who will never tell something that should be kept secret): · You can tell Martin anything -- he's the very soul of discretion.
when what someone does or says is kept very secret, so that only a few people know about it: · There is a great deal of secrecy within the organization.· Why all the secrecy? You've got nothing to be ashamed of.utmost secrecy: · Our commanding officer emphasized the need to maintain the utmost secrecy about the operation at all times.swear somebody to secrecy (=make someone promise that they will not tell other people a secret): · Anna swore me to secrecy on the subject of her family until her book came out.a veil/shroud/cloak of secrecy: · The gunmen tracked down their target, despite the shroud of secrecy surrounding his whereabouts.
the trust that exists between people who share secrets, especially between a professional person such as a doctor or lawyer and someone who gives them private advice: · Alexander declined to comment, citing attorney--client confidentiality.· Researchers should always be able to guarantee complete confidentiality for their subjects.· Data encryption ensures the privacy and confidentiality of email messages.breach/violate confidentiality (=to break confidentiality by telling someone a secret): · The health clinic has again been caught violating patient confidentiality.breach of confidentiality: · You doctor should not have told your parents about the abortion -- that was a blatant breach of confidentiality.
someone who does not talk much someone who is quiet does not talk much. Quiet can be used generally about someone's character, or about a particular situation in which someone does not talk: · The new girl's quiet, but nice enough.· Steven's a very quiet boy who loves reading.· Tyrell was quiet early in the evening, but as he got to know us, he really opened up.
written if someone is silent , they do not say anything. Silent is used before the noun if you are talking about someone's general character, and after the verb if you are talking about a particular situation: · Mrs. Welland was a mild silent woman with no strong opinions.be/remain/stay silent: · Alice was laughing and joking, but her sister remained silent.
formal someone who is taciturn usually does not talk much, so that they may seem a little unfriendly or bad-tempered: · The ship's captain was a taciturn man who spoke only to give orders.· It was unlike her to be so taciturn - she must have had something on her mind.
someone who usually does not talk much, because they only speak when there is something important to say: · My father was a man of few words, but when he spoke everyone listened.· Neighbors remember her as a woman of few words whom everyone respected.
unwilling to talk to other people or unwilling to talk about a particular subject: · Irma was a shy and reticent child.reticent about: · Auster was somewhat reticent about it at first, but finally admitted he was working on a new book.
to stop talking · She was happy to talk about her school and friends, but when I asked her about her parents, she went quiet.· Gerard suddenly realized that the people at the next table had gone quiet and were staring at them.
to suddenly stop talking without finishing what you were saying: · "It's not that I wanted to..." he broke off and sighed.· Kathleen was just telling me about her new car when she suddenly broke off and ran to the window.break off something: · I was sorry to break off his conversation with Margaret, but I had to leave.
written to suddenly stop talking, especially because something has happened to make you feel afraid, sad etc: · "Explain yourself," Mr O'Conner demanded. Paul fell silent, staring hard at the floor.· Everyone in the room fell silent, and Miss Rogers dozed peacefully her chair.
to not talk about a particular subject · It's been three months, but he won't talk about the accident.· She doesn't talk about her husband half as much as she did when he first died.· I don't know what my parents think about my living here - we never talk about it.
to not talk about something, because it could be embarrassing or difficult, or just because you did not think about talking about it: · Didn't she say anything about the party?· Don't say anything about the divorce - it will only upset her.· The company's policy is not to say anything about former employees other than to give their period of employment.
to not talk about something, even for a short time or carelessly: · We were careful not to mention her son's legal problems.· He doesn't mention Cathy anymore when he writes - I wonder if they broke up?not mention (that): · I didn't mention that we were going to the movies in front of John.
to deliberately not talk about something, especially because the subject could be embarrassing or difficult: · I normally keep off the subject of ex-girlfriends on a first date.· Unless the interviewer asks you directly, keep off the question of why you left your last job.
to deliberately stop talking about a particular subject, especially because it is embarrassing, upsetting, or annoying someone: · "You'll never get me to believe that!" she screeched, so I just nodded and dropped the subject.· Can we just drop the subject? I'm sick of hearing about it.· Look, just drop it, OK? I understood you the first time.
to deliberately not talk about something, especially because the subject could be embarrassing or difficult: · We try to steer clear of controversial issues in the workshops.· Her press agent asked the interviewer to steer clear of questions about her love life.
to not talk about an event or situation from the past for a long time, especially because it is very difficult to talk about: · He had kept silent about the murder for ten years before he went to the police.· They said they'd kill her if she didn't keep quiet about what she'd seen.
if you gloss over unpleasant facts, you deliberately avoid talking about them or you only mention them quickly and without giving much detail: · It seems to me he was glossing over some major risks of the plan.· In a job interview you should highlight your strengths and gloss over your weaknesses.
what you say to someone to tell them to stop talking spoken say this when you want someone to stop talking: · Please be quiet for a moment.· Be quiet - I'm on the phone.· Just be quiet and let me finish the story.
spoken say this when you want a group of people, especially a group you are in charge of, to stop talking: · All right, everybody, quiet down - we're about to stop.· Quiet down! I can't hear the TV.
formal spoken used in formal situations, especially by someone in authority to tell people to be completely quiet: · Silence in court!· Silence! Will you please let the honourable Member finish what he is saying.
spoken say this to rudely tell someone to stop talking: · Just shut up and listen to me.· Hey, shut up down there! We're trying to sleep.· No one wants to listen to you - why don't you shut up and sit down.
to deliberately not tell someone a secret · I'm leaving next month to start another job, but don't tell anyone just yet.· She knew she had cancer, but she didn't tell anyone.
to not tell other people about something or not let them find out about it: · He said it was vital to keep Operation Beehive secret.· It was impossible for the affair to be kept secret.keep sth (a) secret from: · At first I tried to keep my illness a secret from my wife.
to not tell anyone anything at all about something, because it is very important that no one knows about it: · It's supposed to be a big surprise, so don't breathe a word.· Don't worry, I won't tell a soul about any of this.
to not tell anyone about something that you know is happening, especially something that other people would disapprove of because it is slightly illegal or unfair: keep quiet about: · I wish I'd kept quiet about the money.· We'd better keep quiet about this for now.keep it quiet: · We can give you a 10% raise, but not the others -- so keep it quiet, won't you?
to not tell other people something that someone has told you, or something that you have found out about: · Don't tell Sam -- he's incapable of keeping anything to himself.· Branson knew who the killer was, but had kept it to himself for twenty years.
to deliberately not tell someone something that you know, especially because you are worried about telling them, or because it might upset them: · If a patient is dying, I don't think doctors have a right to keep it from them.· I've tried to ask her what's worrying her, but she says it's nothing. I'm sure she's keeping something from me.
to not tell someone certain facts about something when telling them everything else about it: keep something back: · I got the feeling he was keeping something back.keep back something: · Although most of the facts were published the government kept back certain details that might prove embarrassing.keep something back from somebody/keep back something from somebody: · I must now confess something which I kept back from you earlier.
WORD SETSadmin, nounadministration, nounadministrative, adjectiveadministrator, nounagency, nounagent, nounbalance sheet, nounbazaar, nounbid, nounbid, verbbig business, nounbook value, nounboss, nounbottom line, nounbranch, nouncapacity, nouncapital, nouncapital assets, nouncapital gains, nouncapital goods, nouncapital-intensive, adjectivecapitalist, nouncard, nouncentralize, verbcompetitiveness, nounconsultancy, nouncontract, nouncontract, verbcost-effective, adjectivecoupon, nouncritical path, noundecentralize, verbdeveloper, noundistiller, noundistributor, noundiversify, verbdownsize, verbeconomics, nounenterprise, nounentrepreneur, nounestablishment, nounfashion, nounfly-by-night, adjectivefold, verbfoodstuff, nounform letter, nounfranchise, verbfranchisee, noungazump, verbgearing, noungeneric, adjectiveget, verbhard sell, nounhaute couture, nounhigh season, nounhigh technology, nounhike, nounhike, verbloss, nounlow-tech, adjectivemaximize, verbMD, nounmerchandise, verbmerchandising, nounmerger, nounmiddleman, nounmiller, nounmission statement, nounmom-and-pop, adjectivemoneygrabbing, adjectivemoneymaker, noun-monger, suffixmonopolistic, adjectivemonopoly, nounnet, adjectivenet, verbniche, nounoff-the-peg, adjectiveopening time, nounoperation, nounoperational, adjectiveoperator, nounoption, nounoutlay, nounoutlet, nounoutput, nounoutwork, nounoverhead, nounoverstock, verbpackage, nounpartner, nounpartnership, nounpatent, nounpayola, nounpercentage, nounpiracy, nounpremium, nounprivate practice, nounprivatization, nounprivatize, verbprofitability, nounproprietor, nounproprietress, nounpurchase price, nounpurchasing power, nounquiet, adjectiveR & D, nounrate of return, nounrecall, verbreject, nounrep, nounresearch and development, nounrestrictive practices, nounrevenue, nounsell, verbservice industry, nounsleeping partner, nounspeculate, verbspeculation, nounspeculative, adjectivestreet value, nounsubtotal, nounswap meet, nounsweatshop, nounsyndicate, nounsystems analyst, nountake, nountender, nountie-up, nounTM, transact, verbtransaction, nounturnover, nounundersell, verbuneconomic, adjectiveunit, noununprofitable, adjectivevideo conferencing, nounwatchdog, nounwheeler-dealer, nounwheeling and dealing, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY I’ll be as quiet as a mouse (=very quiet). I didn’t know anything about it so I just kept quiet. The crowd went quiet. When they walked into the pub, the place went quiet. I’d love to go on holiday somewhere where it’s nice and quiet. Anthony met her in the bar, and they found a quiet corner where they could talk. I’m going to have a quiet night in (=an evening when you stay at home and relax). He wants a quiet life, while she wants to go out partying.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES If the operation succeeds, Carly will be able to lead a normal life. He has led a charmed life (=been very fortunate). She lives a very busy life. The house seemed nice and tidy.
I’ll be as quiet as a mouse (=very quiet). I didn’t know anything about it so I just kept quiet. The crowd went quiet. (=having a particular feeling but not talking about it) a woman whose life of quiet desperation threatens to overwhelm her
a woman whose life of quiet desperation threatens to overwhelm her (=not saying much but making other people have a particular feeling about you) Jack’s air of quiet authority
Jack’s air of quiet authority When they walked into the pub, the place went quiet. I’d love to go on holiday somewhere where it’s nice and quiet. Anthony met her in the bar, and they found a quiet corner where they could talk. I’m going to have a quiet night in (=an evening when you stay at home and relax). He wants a quiet life, while she wants to go out partying. (=with few people on it)· The beaches on this side of the island are quieter.
(=one that other people will not interrupt.)· Let’s go and have a quiet chat over lunch.
· He sat on his own in a quiet corner of the library.
· The room was dead quiet while we waited for Ted to reply.
· He led a quiet existence, broken only by occasional visits from his family.
· They enjoy a comfortable existence.
If the operation succeeds, Carly will be able to lead a normal life. He has led a charmed life (=been very fortunate). She lives a very busy life.· They were kept awake by loud music from next door.
The house seemed nice and tidy.· We love the peace and quiet here.
(=with little traffic)· At that time of night, the roads were quiet.
(=satisfaction that you express in a quiet, not very obvious way)· He announced with quiet satisfaction that they had achieved their target.
(=when not much is happening)· We've had quite a quiet spell at work recently.
(=with very few people)· It was late and the streets were quiet.
· She asked if she could have a private talk.
· They sat at the far end of the carriage, talking in hushed tones.
· The town is quiet in the summer.· Cannigione is a quiet little town with a scattering of shops, restaurants and cafés.
(=one where there is not a lot of activity)· Downham was a sleepy little village, with a road barely wide enough for one car.
(=not loud)· When he spoke, his voice was soft and gentle.
(=with not many guests)· We had a quiet wedding, with just a few close friends and relatives.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Fortunately it was an unusually quiet day at the surgery.· Nevertheless, we had all noticed that for the past week Loi had been unusually quiet.· With stocks racing ahead and the Dow and Nasdaq in record territory day after day, our office phones are unusually quiet.· But today the square was unusually quiet.· It was an unusually quiet feud, and, given Bradman's stature, one that O'Reilly could never win.· The others in the room were unusually quiet.· Mickeen Gavan, the porter, had been unusually quiet, his eyes evasive.
NOUN· Both princes drew strength from their uncle's quiet confidence.· It seemed the kind of thing that would convey old breeding and quiet confidence.· We face the future with quiet confidence and great determination.· Nevertheless, as the team assembled in their headquarters, there was an air of quiet confidence.· The Army had another reason for quiet confidence.· Fernando de la Rua, the country's hapless president, is exuding quiet confidence.· Mary's response to the crisis, and the apparent rudeness of her eldest is one of quiet confidence.
· Anthony took him to the Pugin bar where they found a quiet corner protected from the worst of the Pugin wallpaper.· Feels and I lunched together in a quiet corner of the mess.· Here in this quiet corner of Co.· Alvin would go off to a quiet corner with Shook and talk endlessly about art, literature and his current projects.· In a quiet corner there were already a dozen corpses covered by blankets.· I was just looking for a quiet corner.· It had clearly passed by the inhabitants of this quiet corner of Picardy.· I only wish my dentist were located in a quiet corner of a Wells Fargo branch.
· There was a mood of quiet desperation about Mr and Mrs Quigley.· Why do you think Thoreau said lives of quiet desperation?· Conversing politely over the tea-cups in the huge drawing-rooms, he sensed their quiet desperation.· There is a quiet desperation around the whole area.· The husband belongs to Scarlet, a woman whose life of quiet desperation threatens to overwhelm her.
· In public, the Khmer Rouge leaders have a quiet dignity.· Her quiet dignity and solicitousness, despite her illness, impressed us.· We painted women washing clothes in the waters of Lake Bratan - a timeless ritual conducted with quiet dignity.· Dunblane grieved for its children, with quiet dignity.· I won't feel so stupid next time; the whole thing had a quiet dignity about it and I felt good.· She is glad to share reminiscences of Mansfield, the quiet dignity of which now appears valuable to her.
· A friend was stopped, and shelled out her $ 20 for a quiet life.· His quiet life made the police suspicious, especially since everyone knew about his father and General Yi.· A quiet life isn't Tony's style.· Courageous governments have preferred better patient care to a quiet life.· He lived a quiet life, with country pursuits his main recreation, and he never lived away from Falkirk.· Sleep all night, can't see a thing all day ... Those eskimos must have a quiet life.· Marasli wanted nothing but a quiet life, and turned a blind eye to MiloÜ's encroachments.· People are not always satisfied with a quiet life, and women as well as men need action.
· Henry had an image of a quiet man in a suit.· The new emperor seems a shy, quiet man, an intellectual.· I remember him from his hearing tests - a quiet man.· He was a large, quiet man with the most amazing muscular development I have ever seen.· He is a small, quiet man, with a friendly smile and a firm handshake.· His father, Michael, was a short, wiry, quiet man, a sheet-metal worker.· I found Basil a shy and rather quiet man who had a deep sense of fun under his quiet exterior.· His father was a quiet man, but he was surprisingly well informed on current issues.
· He thought it would be a quiet place.· A quiet place, yet our nine days there were crowded, and whizzed by in a blur.· But the world outside had lost its interest, and the quiet place was now the centre of all feeling.· But by the 1960s it was a quieter place and the residents were fighting to keep it alive.· He was taken out, in some quiet place, out of doors, and questioned.· And bird watchers find quiet places to spot a heron or woodpecker.· There was nothing out of order or especially remarkable in that quiet place.· Worcester was a good quiet place to begin, he said, to familiarize myself with the feel of the stage.
· He watched them go with quiet satisfaction.· Mr Scott resumed his place, a look of quiet satisfaction on his face.· Outside the venue, the Inspirals climb into their cramped tour van and head back to the hotel exuding quiet satisfaction.· This she did to her quiet satisfaction, thanks to a careless slip by Janice.
· It was a quiet street, a block or two long.· The once bustling riverside is now a quiet street, with many of the old buildings well preserved.· He saw himself go inside, a fellow on a quiet street doing ordinary things, unafraid of being watched.· It was a quiet street, narrow and short.· She walked slowly through the quiet streets, wondering if Dana and Roman would be cosily together in her flat.· Explosions were continuing in the paddy field, but they began a conversation as though on a quiet street.
· The animals flinched as they felt it, but Isay held them firmly, talking to them in a quiet voice.· When the quiet voice suddenly spoke, it was as though Mike had materialized in the dark.· Nevertheless, she had a quiet voice, and Millie could put up with her.· All this in a tight, quiet voice.· So once again, in the same quiet voice.· Tia Carmen says in a quiet voice that does not brook contradiction.· Everybody's so busy trying to talk louder than everybody else that a quiet voice is lost.· Felt a hand on his back and a quiet voice telling Isay he'd be all right.
· On the way out I had a quiet word with young Anna from the other golf magazine.· A quiet word in the lobby.· If I were you I'd drop a quiet word in her ear before it's too late.· Clare suddenly noticed that Elinor's hands were gripping the bedclothes, betraying the emotion hidden by her quiet words.· When all they needed to do was lift up the phone and have a quiet word.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► keep something quiet/keep quiet about somethingPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► keep something quiet/keep quiet (about something)
- Give the kids some crayons, that will keep them quiet for a while.
- When all they needed to do was lift up the phone and have a quiet word.
- Morgan, be quiet, please.
- Keep quiet! I'm trying to hear what your brother has to say.
- I think they should have kept quiet over that.
- I wish I'd kept quiet about the money.
- Parotti had threatened to expose the illegal arrangements unless he was paid $50,000 to keep quiet.
- She'd been brutally murdered to keep her quiet.
- Some people disagree with what the government is doing, but they keep quiet for fear of reprisals.
- The minister denied that the case had been kept quiet or hidden.
- We'd better keep quiet about this for now.
- We can give you a 10% raise, but not the others -- so keep it quiet, won't you?
- We used to keep quiet about some of the things that went on in the prison.
- And if you wanted it kept quiet, again it would be entirely up to you.
- But the story is too big to be kept quiet.
- He heard his wife cursing Biddy inside the house, shouting for the animal to keep quiet.
- It was like they were trying to pay me off for keeping quiet, to bribe me to look the other way.
- Listening to them, I was taught to keep quiet.
- The disciples kept quiet telling nothing of what they had seen at that time to anyone.
- The people may disagree; but they keep quiet.
- Turning worried eyes on him, tempted to keep quiet, she sighed.
- And that was a peculiar job from that point of view, because it included an unusually large number of fifty-dollar bills.
- Chang felt that the surface, which offered an unusually high bounce for an indoor court, suited a baseliner like himself.
- Fortunately it was an unusually quiet day at the surgery.
- Nevertheless, we had all noticed that for the past week Loi had been unusually quiet.
- Nor can local suspicions that the incidence of cancer is unusually high be calmed or confirmed.
- These energetic measures produced unusually large sums.
- Video-Tape, no voice over SWINDON/Wiltshire A spokesman said the workload is unusually high for the time of year.
WORD FAMILYnounquietdisquietquietnessquietismquietudeverbquietenquietadjectivequietadverbquietly
1making no noise not making much noise, or making no noise at all: We’ll have to be quiet so as not to wake the baby. It’s a nice car. The engine’s really quiet. I’ll be as quiet as a mouse (=very quiet).2not speaking a)not saying much or not saying anything: You’re very quiet, Mom – is anything the matter? I didn’t know anything about it so I just kept quiet. The crowd went quiet.quiet confidence/satisfaction/desperation (=having a particular feeling but not talking about it) a woman whose life of quiet desperation threatens to overwhelm herquiet authority/dignity (=not saying much but making other people have a particular feeling about you) Jack’s air of quiet authority b)someone who is quiet does not usually talk very much: a strange, quiet girl3(be) quiet! spoken used to tell someone to stop talking or making a noise: Tanya, be quiet! I’m on the phone. Quiet, you lot!4keep something quiet/keep quiet about something to keep information secret: You’re getting married? You kept that quiet!5place with no noise a place that is quiet has no noise or not much noise: Our hotel room was comfortable and quiet. When they walked into the pub, the place went quiet.6no activity/people without much activity or without many people: It was a Sunday, about three o'clock, and the streets were quiet. I’d love to go on holiday somewhere where it’s nice and quiet. Anthony met her in the bar, and they found a quiet corner where they could talk. I’m going to have a quiet night in (=an evening when you stay at home and relax). He wants a quiet life, while she wants to go out partying.7business if business is quiet, there are not many customers SYN slack: August is a quiet time of year for the retail trade.8keep somebody quiet to stop someone from talking, complaining, or causing trouble: Give the kids some crayons – that will keep them quiet for a while.9have a quiet word (with somebody) especially British English to talk to someone privately when you want to criticize them or tell them about something serious: Brian’s just not keeping up with the workload. Can you have a quiet word? ► Do not confuse quietwith quite (=fairly).—quietness noun [uncountable] → quietlyTHESAURUSa quiet sound or voicequiet not making a loud sound: · I heard a quiet voice behind me.· a car with a quiet enginelow quiet – especially because you do not want people to hear or be disturbed: · Doug was on the phone, speaking in a low voice.· I turned the volume down low.soft quiet and pleasant to listen to: · Soft music was playing in the background.· His voice was soft and gentle.silent not making any sound at all: · a silent prayer· silent laughter· The machines were virtually silent.hushed deliberately quiet because you do not want people to hear – used about people’s voices: · They were talking about money in hushed tones.· The doctor’s voice was hushed and urgent.faint quiet and difficult to hear because it comes from a long way away: · The men went ahead and their voices got fainter and fainter.· the faint sound of bellsmuffled difficult to hear, for example because the sound comes from another room or someone’s mouth is covered by something: · Muffled voices were coming from downstairs.· the muffled sound of someone cryingdull [only before noun] a dull sound is not loud – used especially about the sound of something hitting another thing: · He hit the ground with a dull thud.inaudible too quiet to hear: · The sound is inaudible to the human ear.· Her answer came in an almost inaudible whisper.a quiet placequiet without much noise: · It’s so quiet here at night.· This is the quietest room in the house to work in.silent with no noise at all: · The room fell silent (=became silent).peaceful (also tranquil especially written) quiet in a pleasant and relaxing way: · Life’s more peaceful in the countryside.· The hotel is set in tranquil surroundings.sleepy [only before noun] quiet – used about a town or village where there are not many people and very little happens: · a sleepy fishing villagenot saying muchquiet not saying much: · He’s a quiet boy who loves reading.· You’re very quiet tonight, Suzy – are you OK?silent not saying anything: · Her husband was a big silent man.· Everyone was arguing but I decided to remain silent.taciturn /ˈtæsətɜːn $ -ɜːrn/ formal not talking much and seeming a little unfriendly or bad-tempered: · He found Vaughn a taciturn and rather difficult person.reticent unwilling to talk to other people, especially about a particular subject: · She’s always been reticent about her early life.a man/woman of few words someone who does not talk much, especially because they only speak when there is something important to say: · My father was a man of few words, but when he spoke everyone listened.