What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mute
Example
The boy was born mute and communicates through sign language. [mute: adjective]
Example
She muted her phone during the meeting to avoid interruptions. [muted: verb]
Example
The trumpet player used a mute to create a softer sound. [mute: noun]
silent
Example
The library was silent except for the occasional page turning. [silent: adjective]
Example
The audience was silent during the emotional scene. [silent: adjective]
Example
The silent film relied on visual storytelling to convey the plot. [silent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Silent is more commonly used than mute in everyday language. Silent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mute is less common and has more specific usages.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mute and silent?
Both mute and silent can be used in formal and informal contexts, but mute may be considered more technical or specialized due to its usage in describing devices or functions that have been silenced.
