What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
voiceless
Example
The 's' sound in 'snake' is voiceless. [voiceless: adjective]
Example
She was born with a voiceless condition and communicates through sign language. [voiceless: noun]
silent
Example
The library was silent except for the sound of pages turning. [silent: adjective]
Example
He remained silent throughout the entire meeting. [silent: adjective]
Example
The room fell silent as the speaker began their presentation. [silent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Silent is more commonly used than voiceless in everyday language. Silent is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while voiceless is more specialized and is primarily used in linguistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between voiceless and silent?
Both voiceless and silent can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, voiceless is more technical and scientific, while silent is more general and can be used in a wider range of situations.
