Silence
/ˈsaɪ.ləns/noun
The absence of sound or the state of being quiet.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin *silentium*, built from *silēre* meaning “to be quiet, be still,” which is why silence has always carried a sense of deliberate restraint, not just the lack of noise.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*swel-
“A proposed ancient root meaning “to be quiet, still” or “to become calm.””
Latin
Latin
silēre
“To be quiet, be still, remain inactive.”
Latin
Latin
silentium
“Quiet, silence, stillness.”
Old French
Old French
silence
“Silence, quiet, absence of speech or sound.”
Middle English
English
silence
“Quietness; the state of not speaking or making noise.”
Modern English
English
silence
“The absence of sound or the state of being quiet.”