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Definition silence in British English

silence noun

noun
/ˈsaɪləns/
Example

The owl's cry cut through the silence in the forest.

Example

The silence was broken by the soft sound of rain.

Example

When I answered the phone there was dead silence (=no sound at all).

Synonyms and related words
1.1

a period of time when no one speaks

Example

Long silences make her uncomfortable.

Example

We stared at each other in stunned silence.

Example

We begin our service with a moment of silence.

Example

They drove home in silence.

Synonyms and related words
2

the refusal to talk about something or to provide information

Example

She maintained an angry silence.

Example

Her silence on the subject has been interpreted as a sign of guilt.

Synonyms and related words
3

a complete lack of communication with someone by letter, telephone, or other means

Example

A letter finally arrived from Lee, ending his long silence.

Synonyms and related words
Definition silence in British English