quiet
Pronunciation: /ˈkwʌɪət/
adjective ( quieter, quietest)
- 1making little or no noise: the car has a quiet, economical engine I was as quiet as I could be, but he knew I was there
- (of a place, period of time, or situation) without much activity, disturbance, or excitement: the street below was quiet, little traffic braving the snow
- without being disturbed or interrupted: all he wanted was a quiet drink
- 2carried out discreetly, secretly, or with moderation: we wanted a quiet wedding I’ll have a quiet word with him
- (of a person) mild and reserved by nature: his quiet, middle-aged parents
- expressed in a restrained or understated way: Molly spoke with quiet confidence
- (of a colour or garment) unobtrusive; not bright or showy.
noun
- absence of noise or bustle; silence; calm: the ringing of the telephone shattered the early morning quiet
- freedom from disturbance or interruption by others: he understood her wish for peace and quiet
- a peaceful or settled state of affairs in social or political life: after several months of comparative quiet, the scandal re-erupted in August
verb
chiefly North American
Phrases
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do anything for a quiet life
- see life.
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keep quiet (or keep someone quiet)
- refrain or prevent someone from speaking or from disclosing something secret.
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keep something quiet (or keep quiet about something)
- refrain from disclosing information about something; keep something secret.
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on the quiet
- informal without anyone knowing or noticing; secretly or unobtrusively: the deal was done on the quiet six months ago
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(as) quiet as the grave
- see grave1.
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(as) quiet as a mouse (or lamb)
- (of a person or animal) extremely quiet or docile.
Origin:
Middle English (originally as a noun denoting peace as opposed to war): via Old French, based on Latin quies, quiet- 'repose, quiet'