What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nonspeaker
Example
The child was born with a speech disorder and is considered a nonspeaker. [nonspeaker: noun]
Example
In the meeting, John remained a nonspeaker, choosing to listen rather than participate. [nonspeaker: adjective]
Example
As an ESL student, she was initially a nonspeaker but gradually gained confidence in speaking. [nonspeaker: noun]
mute
Example
The accident left him mute for the rest of his life. [mute: adjective]
Example
She was so angry that she became mute and refused to speak to anyone. [mute: adjective]
Example
Press the mute button on the remote control to turn off the sound. [mute: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mute is more commonly used than nonspeaker in everyday language. Mute is a more versatile term that can be used in a wider range of situations, while nonspeaker is a more specific term that is commonly used in medical or educational contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nonspeaker and mute?
Both nonspeaker and mute are formal terms that are commonly used in medical or technical contexts. However, mute can also be used in informal contexts, while nonspeaker is less common in everyday language.
