Silently

/ˈsaɪləntli/

Meaning & Definition

adverb
In a silent manner; without making noise.
She climbed the stairs silently so as not to wake anyone.
In a way that does not involve spoken words; quietly.
He silently agreed with her decision, knowing better than to voice his disagreement.
Without outward expression or demonstration; in a subdued or restrained manner.
The crowd watched silently as the performance unfolded before them.
In a secret or hidden way; without revealing thoughts or feelings.
She silently reassured herself that everything would be okay.
Without attracting attention.
The cat moved silently through the room, stalking her prey.

Etymology

From the word 'silent' with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

silently judging
Assessing someone without expressing thoughts verbally.
silent treatment
Deliberately ignoring someone or not speaking to them.
silently reassure
To provide comfort without words.

Related Words

silence
The absence of sound.
quiet
Making little or no noise.
mute
To silence or make unable to speak.

Slang Meanings

Hiding feelings or opinions.
He was silently shipping them even though he wouldn't admit it.
Keeping things to oneself.
She silently slayed that meeting without saying a word.