Meaning & Definition of Mute in English
Mute
Pronunciation:
/mjuːt/Part of Speech:
adjective, verb, nounMeaning and Definition of Mute
1. Primary Definition
Silent or unable to speak.
2. Detailed Definitions
Definition: Refraining from speech or temporarily silent.
Example Sentence: He remained mute during the entire discussion.
Definition: To make silent or to reduce sound.
Example Sentence: Please mute your microphone during the conference call.
Definition: A person who is unable to speak, especially due to a physical condition.
Example Sentence: The mute man communicated through sign language.
Definition: In music, to soften or deaden the sound of an instrument.
Example Sentence: He muted the trumpet with a straight mute.
Definition: Lacking expression or emotion.
Example Sentence: Her reaction was mute, revealing nothing of her true feelings.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'muet', from Latin 'mutus' meaning 'silent, unable to speak'.
Synonyms
Common Phrases and Expressions
- mute button: A control on a device that silences the sound.
- mute point: A topic that is no longer relevant or important.
- mute mode: Device setting to silence notifications or alerts.
Translations
- Spanish: mudo
- French: muet
- German: stumm
- Russian: немой
Related Words
- dumb: Unable to speak; sometimes used to mean lacking intelligence.
- silence: The absence of sound.
- speechless: Unable to speak, especially as a result of shock or strong emotion.
Slang Meanings of mute
Meaning: To shut someone up, particularly in conversation.
Example Sentence: I just muted him during the debate.
Meaning: To turn off sound on a video or call.
Example Sentence: I'll mute the video while I take this call.