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

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 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 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.