What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quieter
Example
Please be quieter, I'm trying to concentrate. [quieter: comparative adjective]
Example
She's usually quieter than her sister. [quieter: comparative adjective]
Example
The library is much quieter than the cafeteria. [quieter: comparative adjective]
silent
Example
The room was silent, except for the ticking of the clock. [silent: adjective]
Example
He remained silent throughout the meeting. [silent: adjective]
Example
The forest was silent, except for the occasional bird chirping. [silent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quieter is more commonly used than silent in everyday language. Quieter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while silent is less common and typically reserved for situations with a complete absence of sound or noise.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quieter and silent?
Both quieter and silent can be used in formal and informal contexts, but quieter is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
