Muet (en. Mute)

/mɥɛ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
Definition: Who does not speak, who is unable to speak.
Example Sentence: He remained mute throughout the entire meeting.
Il est resté muet pendant toute la réunion.
Definition: When speaking of animals, who do not produce vocal sounds.
Example Sentence: The cat was mute, silent as a shadow.
Le chat était muet, silencieux comme un ombre.
Definition: Figuratively, who does not express their thoughts or emotions.
Example Sentence: She was mute with surprise upon discovering the truth.
Elle était muette de surprise en découvrant la vérité.

Etymology

Etymology/Origin: From Latin 'mutus', meaning 'silent' or 'voiceless'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Common Phrase: mute as a tomb
Common Phrase Meaning: Refers to someone who does not speak or who keeps a secret.
muet comme une tombe
Common Phrase: to remain mute
Common Phrase Meaning: Not responding or not expressing oneself.
rester muet
Common Phrase: to be mute with astonishment
Common Phrase Meaning: To be so surprised that one cannot speak.
être muet d'étonnement

Related Words

Related Word: mutism
Related Word Description: State of not speaking, often for psychological reasons.
mutisme
Related Word: muted
Related Word Description: Who has been transferred, especially to another office or position.
muté
Related Word: mute (feminine form)
Related Word Description: Feminine form of mute.
muette

Slang Meanings

Slang Meaning: Silent in a situation where one would be expected to speak.
Slang Example: He remains mute, as if he had swallowed his tongue.
Il reste muet, comme s'il avait avalé sa langue.
Slang Meaning: Not expressing oneself on a sensitive topic.
Slang Example: She is mute about her past; it’s a sensitive subject.
Elle est muette sur son passé, c'est un sujet sensible.