What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
silence
Example
The silence in the library was deafening. [silence: noun]
Example
She remained silent throughout the entire meeting. [silent: adjective]
stillness
Example
The stillness of the lake was mesmerizing. [stillness: noun]
Example
He sat still, enjoying the peacefulness of the moment. [still: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Silence is more commonly used than stillness in everyday language. Silence is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stillness is less common and is typically used in more poetic or descriptive writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between silence and stillness?
Both silence and stillness can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, silence may be more commonly used in professional settings, while stillness may be more commonly used in artistic or creative writing.
