What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mute
Example
The boy was mute since birth. [mute: adjective]
Example
She muted the TV to answer the phone. [muted: past tense verb]
quiet
Example
The library is always quiet. [quiet: adjective]
Example
He spoke in a quiet voice so as not to disturb the others. [quiet: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quiet is a more commonly used word than mute in everyday language. Quiet is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mute is less common and refers specifically to the absence of speech.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mute and quiet?
Both mute and quiet can be used in formal and informal contexts, but mute may be considered more formal due to its less common usage and specific meaning.
