French Conversation · Level 84
59 words
French word
silencieux
Pronunciation
IPA/silɑ̃sjø/
Meaning
- adjectivequiet
Example
La bibliothèque est silencieuse.
The library is quiet.
More examples
Le voisin est silencieux.
The neighbor is quiet.
Core concept
A hushed space or a person keeping speech to a minimum.
Common phrases
endroit silencieux
quiet place
appartement silencieux
quiet apartment
Similar words
calme: Quiet and settled, with limited movement or speaking.
tranquille: Calm and free from disturbance, creating a reassuring atmosphere.
muet: Completely or almost completely without sound.
discret: Modest and inconspicuous, avoiding attention through quiet behavior.
Definition in French
Qualifie l'absence ou la faiblesse du bruit, applicable à un lieu ou à une personne qui parle peu.
Word origin
The French adjective silencieux comes from Latin silentiosus, built on silentium and ultimately linked to silere, 'to be silent'.
Usage tips
- For a person, silencieux usually describes limited speech, not anger, indifference, or unhappiness.
Other meanings
- taciturnadjective
- silentadjective
Opposites
- bruyantnoisyadjective
Related words
- silencieusementquietlyadverb