mute
B2neutral to formal (adjective/verb); dated/offensive (noun for a person).
Definition
Meaning
Completely silent; refraining from speech or making no sound.
1. (verb) To make silent or soften the sound of something. 2. (adjective) Characterized by an absence of sound. 3. (noun, dated/offensive) A person who is unable to speak, but can now be considered offensive. 4. (technical) A device or setting that silences audio output. 5. (law) A person who refuses to plead in court.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As an adjective, often implies a deliberate or inherent silence rather than a temporary quiet. The verb form is common in digital/technical contexts (mute a microphone). The noun for a non-speaking person is now largely considered offensive and has been replaced by terms like 'non-verbal' or specific medical descriptors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. The legal term 'standing mute' is used in both jurisdictions. In tech contexts, 'mute' is universal.
Connotations
Similar. The dated/offensive noun usage is equally problematic in both.
Frequency
Equally frequent, with high usage in digital communication contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
mute [object] (verb)be/go/remain mute (adjective)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “deaf mute (dated/offensive)”
- “stand mute (law)”
- “mute as a fish”
- “mute testimony”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Please remember to mute your microphones during the presentation."
Academic
"The study examines the mute protest as a form of political resistance."
Everyday
"He remained mute throughout the entire argument."
Technical
"The amplifier features a soft-mute circuit to eliminate turn-on pops."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She quickly muted the telly during the advert break.
- The council voted to mute the town hall bells after 11 PM.
American English
- He muted his phone before the movie started.
- The software allows you to mute specific participants in the call.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Archaic) He stared mute at the destruction.
American English
- (Rare/Archaic) She listened mute to their pleas.
adjective
British English
- The crowd fell mute as the speaker took the stage.
- She gave him a mute look of gratitude.
American English
- The remote control has a dedicated mute function.
- The evidence stood as mute testimony to the crime.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Press the red button to mute the sound.
- The baby was not mute; she was just shy.
- Please mute your microphone if you're not speaking.
- He remained mute, refusing to answer the question.
- The film's powerful message was delivered through mute scenes of devastation.
- Activists staged a mute vigil outside the embassy.
- The defendant's decision to stand mute was a strategic legal move.
- Her art uses mute palettes to convey a profound sense of melancholy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'MUTE' button on your TV remote – it makes everything silent. The word sounds like 'moot', but when something is moot (debated), it's noisy; when it's mute, it's silent.
Conceptual Metaphor
SILENCE IS AN ABSENCE (OF SOUND/VOICE).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating the noun 'mute' directly as 'немой' for a person, as it is now offensive. Use descriptive phrases. The Russian word 'миute' (in musical notation) is a false friend; it's from Italian, not related to silence.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'mute' with 'moot'. Using the noun form to refer to a person without awareness of its offensiveness. Spelling: 'muet' (French influence).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'mute' LEAST appropriate or potentially offensive?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the noun 'mute' for a person is now considered dated and offensive. Preferred terms are person-first language like 'a person who is non-verbal' or specific, accurate medical or personal descriptors.
'Mute' often implies an inherent or permanent inability to speak, or a deliberate, complete silencing. 'Silent' is broader, describing a temporary absence of sound or noise. A person can choose to be silent; 'mute' (as an adjective) often describes their state.
Yes, metaphorically. You can 'mute' colours (make them less vivid) or 'mute' emotions/enthusiasm (suppress or tone them down), though this is less common than the audio-related use.
Yes, typically /mjuːt/. In some regional US accents, the /j/ ("yoo") sound might be less pronounced, sounding more like 'moot', but the standard pronunciation includes it.