silently
Silently (adverb) means Without making any sound. Example: “She crept silently past the sleeping guard.”
How to use silently
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something without making noise.
Word forms
more silently comparative, most silently superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She crept _____ past the sleeping guard.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for silently
Frequently asked questions
What does “silently” mean?
The word “silently” means without making any sound. In plain terms, doing something without making noise.
How do you pronounce “silently”?
“Silently” is pronounced SEYE-luhnt-lee (/ˈsaɪləntli/ in IPA).
How do you use “silently” in a sentence?
Here is “silently” used in a sentence: “She crept silently past the sleeping guard.”
What part of speech is “silently”?
“Silently” is an adverb.
Is “silently” a common word?
“Silently” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "silently" and "quietly"?
"Silently" means without making any sound at all, describing a complete absence of noise, while "quietly" allows for some sound, just at a low volume. Something done "quietly" might still be faintly audible, whereas something done "silently" produces no sound whatsoever.
Is "silently" a formal or informal word?
"Silently" is a neutral, standard adverb suitable for both formal and informal writing and speech, without any particular register restriction. It simply describes an action performed without sound.
Can "silently" describe something other than physical sound?
"Silently" describes actions performed without sound, but it's often extended figuratively to describe someone who endures, agrees, or protests "silently," meaning without speaking up, even though the core meaning relates to the absence of sound.