Word
hushed
US/ˈhəʃt/
UK/hˈʌʃt/
Definition
v. to make a sound quiet or to stop speaking. You use this when you want to lower your voice or stop a loud noise.
v. to reduce the volume of a sound or to suppress speech. Often used in the context of lowering one's voice or silencing a crowd.
Examples
“She hushed the children before they could shout.”
“The librarian had to hush the group of students who were talking too loudly in the quiet reading area.”
“As the sun began to set, the crowd hushed, waiting in silence for the final performance to begin.”
Examples
simple
“She hushed the children before they could shout.”
contextual
“The librarian had to hush the group of students who were talking too loudly in the quiet reading area.”
complex
“As the sun began to set, the crowd hushed, waiting in silence for the final performance to begin.”
Real-World Examples
“He’s learned by experience how to better work with the dogs, making sure to speak in a hushed voice and give them time to get used to the scent.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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