What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
speechless
Example
I was speechless when I saw the beautiful sunset. [speechless: adjective]
Example
The news left her speechless with shock. [speechless: adverb]
mute
Example
The boy was born mute and communicates through sign language. [mute: adjective]
Example
She went mute after the traumatic event and refused to speak for weeks. [mute: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speechless is more commonly used than mute in everyday language. Speechless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mute is less common and often used in specific medical or social contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between speechless and mute?
Both speechless and mute are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
