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quiet

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˈkwaɪət// UK //kwˈaɪət// qui·et
  1. 1 little or no sound (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    making very little noise or no noise at all.

    characterised by an absence of sound or disturbing noise.

    Example

    The library was very quiet while the students were studying for their exams.

    Example

    The electric vehicle moved with a quiet hum that was barely audible above the rustle of the wind through the trees.
  2. 2 calm and peaceful (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    having little activity or movement; peaceful.

    characterised by a lack of activity, disturbance, or excitement.

    Example

    We spent a quiet afternoon reading in the garden.

    Example

    After the holiday rush, the village returned to its quiet routine, with few tourists remaining in the local inns.
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  1. 3 not talkative (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    describing a person who does not talk very much.

    tending to speak little or in a soft voice; reserved in temperament.

    Example

    He is a quiet man who prefers listening to others.

    Example

    Although she was quiet in large meetings, her written reports were exceptionally detailed and persuasive.
  2. 4 silence or peace (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a state of silence or a time without any trouble or noise.

    the state of being silent or free from disturbance.

    Example

    I enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside on the weekends.

    Example

    The sudden quiet that followed the explosion was more unsettling than the noise itself.
  3. 5 to become or make calm (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make someone stop making noise or to become silent yourself.

    to cause to become silent or calm; to subside in intensity.

    Example

    The teacher waited for the children to quiet down before starting the lesson.

    Example

    The protests began to quiet as the government promised to review the controversial legislation.

    Usage

    Often used with the particle 'down'.
Origin

From Middle English quiete, from Old French quiet (adjective) and quiete (noun), from Latin quiētus, past participle of quiēscere (“to keep quiet, rest”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kʷyeh₁- (“rest”). Doublet of coy, quit, quite, and quietus. Largely displaced native English still in the sense of "with little or no sound".

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