• Quiet

    Pronunciation

    • IPA: /ˈkwaɪət/
    • Rhymes: -aɪət

    Origin

    From Middle English, from Old French, from Latin quietus, past participle of quiescere ("to keep quiet, rest").

    Full definition of quiet

    Adjective

    quiet

    1. With little or no sound; free from of disturbing noise.
      I can't hear the music, it is too quiet.
    2. Having little motion or activity; calm.
      the sea was quiet; a quiet night at home; all quiet on the Western front
    3. Not busy, of low quantity.
      • 1963, Margery Allingham, The China Governess Chapter 8, It was a casual sneer, obviously one of a long line. There was hatred behind it, but of a quiet, chronic type, nothing new or unduly virulent, and he was taken aback by the flicker of amazed incredulity that passed over the younger man's ravaged face.
    4. The traffic was quiet for a Monday morning.
      Business was quiet for the season.
    5. Not talking much or not talking loudly; reserved.
      He's a very quiet man usually, but is very chatty after a few beers.
    6. Not showy; undemonstrative.a quiet dress; quiet colours; a quiet movement

    Synonyms

    Antonyms

    Verb

    1. To become quiet, silent, still, tranquil, calm.When you quiet, we can start talking.
    2. To cause someone to become quiet.Can you quiet your child? He's making lots of noise.The umpire quieted the crowd, so the game could continue in peace.

    Synonyms

    Noun

    quiet

    (plural quiets)
    1. The absence of sound; quietness.There was a strange quiet in the normally very lively plaza.We need a bit of quiet before we can start the show.
    2. the absence of movement; stillness, tranquility

    Usage notes

    Often confused with quite.

    Related terms

    Anagrams

    © Wiktionary
    • © 2013 - 2023 All Rights Reserved