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Silent vs. Silence: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 7, 2024
Silent vs. Silence

Key Differences

Silent is an adjective that describes someone or something that is not making noise or sound. It can refer to people who are not speaking or objects that are not emitting noise. In contrast, silence is a noun that represents the absence of sound, often considered as a complete or profound quietness.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024
The phrase 'keeping silent' implies an active choice of not speaking or refraining from making noise. This can be due to various reasons such as respect, contemplation, or secrecy. On the other hand, 'observing silence' refers to the act of intentionally maintaining a quiet environment or a period of no speech or sound.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024
Silent can also describe the inherent quality of an object or environment, such as a silent room or a silent computer. This suggests an absence of expected or usual noise. Silence, in a broader sense, can symbolize peace, tranquility, or the absence of disturbance, often used metaphorically or in a literary context.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024
In communication, being silent can convey meanings like agreement, disagreement, or neutrality, depending on the context. It is a form of non-verbal communication. Whereas, silence can be a strategic tool in conversations, used for emphasis, reflection, or creating a specific atmosphere.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024
Technologically, silent modes in devices refer to settings that prevent audible notifications. It’s about the absence of sound in technology. Conversely, silence can be used to describe a situation or environment where no electronic or mechanical noise is present, contributing to a serene or undisturbed setting.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024
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Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Adjective
Noun
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

Usage

Describes absence of noise or speech
Refers to the condition of no sound
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

Context

Often implies a choice or quality
Symbolizes a state or environment
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

In Communication

A form of non-verbal expression
Used to create emphasis or atmosphere
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Jan 07, 2024

Technological Reference

Modes in devices to prevent noise
Environment free from electronic noise
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024
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Silent and Silence Definitions

Silent

Not speaking or communicating.
He remained silent during the meeting.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023

Silence

The complete absence of sound.
The room fell into deep silence after the announcement.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023

Silent

Making no noise or very little noise.
The silent engine was barely audible.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023

Silence

A period without any spoken words.
They observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023

Silent

Marked by absence of noise or sound; still
The silent forest.
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Dec 27, 2023
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Silence

The act of silencing or suppressing noise.
The teacher demanded silence in the classroom.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023

Silent

Not inclined to speak; not talkative
He's the strong, silent type.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

Refraining from speech or communication.
The witness's silence added to the mystery.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023

Silent

Not speaking or refraining from speech
Do be silent.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

The condition or quality of being or keeping still and silent.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Not saying anything about a particular matter; making no mention
The poem is silent on the reason for the speaker's sadness.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

The absence of sound; stillness.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Not voiced or expressed; unspoken
A silent curse.
Silent consent.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

A period of time without speech or noise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Having no spoken dialogue and usually no soundtrack. Used of a film.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

Refusal or failure to speak out.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

(Linguistics) Having no phonetic value; unpronounced
The silent b in subtle.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

To make silent or bring to silence
Silenced the crowd with a gesture.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Inactive; quiescent
A silent volcano.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

To curtail the expression of; suppress
Silencing all criticism.
Silenced their opponents.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Producing no detectable signs or symptoms
A silent heart attack.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

(Genetics) To interfere with the expression of (a gene or gene segment) so that its biological function is suppressed.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

A silent movie.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

The absence of any sound.
When the motor stopped, the silence was almost deafening.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Free from sound or noise; absolutely still; perfectly quiet.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

The act of refraining from speaking.
"You have the right to silence," said the police officer.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Not speaking; indisposed to talk; speechless; mute; taciturn; not loquacious; not talkative.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

Form of meditative worship practiced by the Society of Friends (Quakers); meeting for worship.
During silence a message came to me that there was that of God in every person.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

(transitive) To make (someone or something) silent.
Can you silence the crowd, so we can start the show?
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

(pronunciation) Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent.
The e is silent in fable.
Silent letters can make some words difficult to spell.
The “l” in the English word "salmon" is silent.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

(transitive) To repress the expression of something.
Women, as well as children, have their thoughts or emotions routinely silenced.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Having no effect; not operating; inefficient.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

(transitive) To suppress criticism, etc.
Silence the critics.
Silence the doubters.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

(technology) With the sound turned off; usually on silent or in silent mode.
My phone was on silent.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

(molecular biology) To block gene expression.
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Dec 27, 2023

Silent

(technology) Without audio capability.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

(euphemistic) To murder.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Hidden, unseen.
A silent voter; a silent partner
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

(imperative) Be silent.
Silence! Enough of your insolence!
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Of an edit or change to a text, not explicitly acknowledged.
Silent revisions; a silent emendation
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

The state of being silent; entire absence of sound or noise; absolute stillness.
I saw and heared; for such a numerous hostFled not in silence through the frighted deep.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

(genetics) Not implying significant modifications which would affect a peptide sequence.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

Forbearance from, or absence of, speech; taciturnity; muteness.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Undiagnosed or undetected because of an absence of symptoms.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

Secrecy; as, these things were transacted in silence.
The administration itself keeps a profound silence.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Of distilled spirit: having no flavour or odour.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

The cessation of rage, agitation, or tumilt; calmness; quiest; as, the elements were reduced to silence.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

(uncountable) That which is silent; a time of silence.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

Absence of mention; oblivion.
And what most merits fame, in silence hid.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

A silent movie
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

Be silent; - used elliptically for let there be silence, or keep silence.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Free from sound or noise; absolutely still; perfectly quiet.
How silent is this town!
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

To compel to silence; to cause to be still; to still; to hush.
Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Not speaking; indisposed to talk; speechless; mute; taciturn; not loquacious; not talkative.
Ulysses, adds he, was the most eloquent and most silent of men.
This new-created world, whereof in hellFame is not silent.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

To put to rest; to quiet.
This would silence all further opposition.
These would have silenced their scruples.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed; as, the wind is silent.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

To restrain from the exercise of any function, privilege of instruction, or the like, especially from the act of preaching; as, to silence a minister of the gospel.
The Rev. Thomas Hooker of Chelmsford, in Essex, was silenced for nonconformity.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent; as, e is silent in "fable."
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

To cause to cease firing, as by a vigorous cannonade; as, to silence the batteries of an enemy.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Having no effect; not operating; inefficient.
Cause . . . silent, virtueless, and dead.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

The state of being silent (as when no one is speaking);
There was a shocked silence
He gestured for silence
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

That which is silent; a time of silence.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

The absence of sound;
He needed silence in order to sleep
The street was quiet
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Marked by absence of sound;
A silent house
Soundless footsteps on the grass
The night was still
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

A refusal to speak when expected;
His silence about my contribution was surprising
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Failing to speak or communicate etc when expected to;
The witness remained silent
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

The trait of keeping things secret
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Indicated by necessary connotation though not expressed directly;
Gave silent consent
A tacit agreement
The understood provisos of a custody agreement
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

Cause to be quiet or not talk;
Please silence the children in the church!
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Not made to sound;
The silent `h' at the beginning of `honor'
In French certain letters are often unsounded
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

Keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure;
All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Having a frequency below or above the range of human audibility;
A silent dog whistle
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silence

The state of being forgotten or unnoticed.
The artist's work fell into silence after his retirement.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023

Silent

Unable to speak because of hereditary deafness
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023

Silent

Not making any sound.
The library was completely silent.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023

Silent

Inactive or not emitting signals.
The radio station went silent after the broadcast.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023

Silent

Implied or understood without being spoken.
Their silent agreement was based on mutual understanding.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is silence?

Silence is the state or condition of having no sound.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

What is a silent alarm?

A silent alarm is an alert system that doesn't make an audible noise but sends a signal to a monitoring service.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

Is silence always peaceful?

Silence can be peaceful, but it can also be tense or unsettling, depending on context.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

Is being silent a form of communication?

Yes, being silent can communicate various messages non-verbally.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

What does silent mean?

Silent refers to the absence of sound or speech.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

Can silent be used to describe a person?

Yes, a person can be described as silent when they are not speaking.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

How is silence used in music?

In music, silence is used as a pause or break to enhance the musical composition.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

What does "breaking the silence" mean?

It means to speak up or make noise after a period of quiet.
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Jan 07, 2024

Is silence golden?

The phrase "silence is golden" suggests that sometimes it's better to be quiet than to speak.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

How can silence be powerful?

Silence can be powerful in creating emphasis, reflection, or setting a mood.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

What is a silent movie?

A silent movie is a film with no synchronized recorded sound, especially spoken dialogue.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

Is silent treatment a form of manipulation?

Silent treatment can be manipulative if used to control or punish someone emotionally.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

How does one observe a moment of silence?

By pausing in quiet reflection, usually to honor or remember someone or something.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

Can a machine be silent?

Yes, a machine can be described as silent if it operates without making noise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

Can silence be uncomfortable?

Yes, silence can be uncomfortable in certain social or interpersonal situations.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

Is silent consent a thing?

Silent consent refers to agreement implied by the absence of objection, not verbal affirmation.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

What is the difference between silence and quiet?

Silence often refers to a complete absence of sound, while quiet suggests low sound levels.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

Can silence be a response?

Yes, silence can be a deliberate response in a conversation or situation.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

What does "maintain silence" mean?

It means to keep quiet or refrain from making noise.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

Can technology be silent?

Yes, technology can be silent, like silent mode on phones.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024

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Shumaila Saeed
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Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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