063. Sounds: Listen Up!

quiet

Adjective

q

k

u

w

ie

aɪə

t

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with little or no noise

noisy

noiseless

Adjective

n

oi

ɔɪ

s

z

e

l

e

ə

ss

s

not making or having any noise

soundless

Adjective

s

o

a

u

ʊ

n

d

l

e

ə

ss

s

free from any noise

quiet

Adjective

q

k

u

w

ie

aɪə

t

having low level of activity or motion

unquiet

quiet

Adjective

q

k

u

w

ie

aɪə

t

(of a person) not talking too much

silent movie

noun

/sˈaɪlənt mˈuːvi/

a movie with no spoken dialogue

What is a "silent movie"?

A silent movie is a film that does not have synchronized spoken dialogue. Instead, it relies on visual storytelling, such as acting, gestures, and text cards, to convey the story and emotions. Music and sound effects are often used to enhance the mood and complement the on-screen action. Silent movies were the norm before the introduction of sound technology in cinema and are known for their unique style and expressive performances.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

silent

Adjective

s

i

aɪ

l

e

ə

n

t

having or making little or no sound

silent

Adjective

s

i

aɪ

l

e

ə

n

t

(of a person) choosing to remain quiet or not express oneself verbally

noiselessly

Adverb

n

oi

ɔɪ

s

z

e

l

e

ə

ss

s

l

y

i

without a sound

soundlessly

Adverb

s

o

a

u

ʊ

n

d

l

e

ə

ss

s

l

y

i

without a sound

to slam

Verb

s

l

a

æ

m

to forcefully or violently shut or close a door, lid, or other object

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to squeak

Verb

s

q

k

u

w

ea

i

k

to make a short high-pitched noise or cry

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to creak

Verb

c

k

r

ea

i

k

to make a harsh, high-pitched sound when something rubs against or moves against another surface that is rough or rusty

to sizzle

Verb

s

i

ɪ

zz

z

ə

l

e

to produce a hissing noise, resembling the noise made when frying food

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to ring out

Verb

/ɹˈɪŋ ˈaʊt/

to produce a loud and clear sound that can be heard distinctly

Grammatical Information:

Phrasal Status

inseparable

phrase's verb

ring

phrase's particle

out

crash

noun

c

k

r

a

æ

sh

ʃ

A sudden loud noise made by the collision or impact of objects breaking or hitting each other

to hoot

Verb

h

oo

u

t

to make a deep call characteristic of an owl

to toot

Verb

t

oo

u

t

make a loud noise

to wail

Verb

w

ai

eɪ

l

to cry out loudly and mournfully, often expressing grief, pain, or intense sorrow

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to hammer

Verb

h

a

æ

mm

m

e

ɜ

r

to strike repeatedly and forcefully with a blunt object or tool such as a hammer

eerie

Adjective

ee

ɪ

r

ie

i

inspiring a sense of fear or unease

deafening

Adjective

d

ea

ɛ

f

e

ə

n

i

ɪ

n

g

(of a sound) too loud in a way that nothing else can be heard

grating

Adjective

g

r

a

eɪ

t

i

ɪ

n

g

having a harsh or unpleasant sound

piercing

Adjective

p

ie

ɪ

r

c

s

i

ɪ

n

g

(of sound) extremely high-pitched or intense that seems to cut through other sounds

high-pitched

Adjective

/hˈaɪpˈɪtʃt/

having a sound that is of a higher frequency or tone than usual

low

inaudible

Adjective

i

ɪ

n

au

ɔ

d

i

ə

b

ə

l

e

unable to be heard

audible

to hear a pin drop

phrase

/hˈɪɹ ɐ pˈɪn dɹˈɑːp/

Idiom

Informal

to be able to hear even the quietest of sounds due to the environment being extremely silent

What is the origin of the idiom "hear a pin drop" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the idiom "hear a pin drop" is challenging to trace, but it likely emerged from the idea that a room or environment is so quiet that the sound of a pin falling to the ground would be distinctly audible. This expression is used to describe an environment or situation where there is an exceptionally deep and complete silence, typically to emphasize the quietness of the surroundings.

peace and quiet

phrase

/pˈiːs ænd kwˈaɪət/

a state or situation that is free from disturbance, noise, or any kind of interruption or disruption, typically characterized by calmness, serenity, and tranquility

(as) quiet as a mouse

phrase

/æz kwˈaɪət æz ɐ mˈaʊs/

Idiom

Informal

used to refer to someone or something that is extremely quiet and does not make much noise

What is the origin of the idiom "quiet as a mouse" and when to use it?

The phrase "quiet as a mouse" is an idiomatic expression that compares the silence or lack of noise made by a mouse to a person or situation that is exceptionally quiet or silent. It likely originated from the observation that mice move discreetly and make very little noise. It is used to describe a person, place, or situation that is remarkably quiet or devoid of noise. It implies a state of tranquility or the absence of any audible disturbances.

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