English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word mute in English

What does mute mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

mute

US /mjuːt/
UK /mjuːt/
"mute" picture

Adjective

1.

refraining from speech or temporarily speechless

Example:
•
He remained mute after the shocking news.
•
The witness was struck mute by fear.
Synonym:
silent speechless dumb unspoken voiceless
2.

unable to speak, typically as a result of a congenital defect or illness

Example:
•
She was born mute and communicated through sign language.
•
The accident left him permanently mute.
Synonym:
dumb speechless voiceless

Noun

1.

a person who is unable to speak

Example:
•
The old man, a lifelong mute, communicated with his eyes.
•
She learned sign language to speak with her mute brother.
Synonym:
dumb person speechless person
2.

a device for deadening the sound of a musical instrument

Example:
•
The trumpet player attached a mute to his instrument.
•
Using a mute can change the timbre of the sound.
Synonym:
damper silencer

Verb

to turn off the sound of (a television, radio, or other device)

Example:
•
Please mute the TV during dinner.
•
I had to mute the call because of background noise.
Synonym:
silence deaden dampen soften quieten
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Related Word:
muted mutely mute button