mute

/mjut/

/mjut/

Other forms: muted; mutes; muting; muter; mutest

Mute means “silent.” No matter how much you talk to your houseplants, they’ll never talk back; they'll remain mute.

When used as a noun, mute can mean “someone who isn't capable of speech" or “a device that deadens the sound of an instrument.” Mute can also be used as a verb meaning "to make silent.” One might mute the television by pressing a button on the remote, or one might try to mute a loquacious individual. Unfortunately, the technology for that last option doesn’t exist yet.

Definitions of mute

1. adjective

   expressed without speech
   “a mute appeal”

   synonyms: tongueless, unspoken, wordless

   inarticulate, unarticulate

   without or deprived of the use of speech or words
2. adjective

   unable to speak
   synonyms: dumb, silent

   inarticulate, unarticulate

   without or deprived of the use of speech or words
3. noun

   a device used to soften the tone of a musical instrument
   types:

   sordino, sourdine

   a mute for a violin

   type of:

   acoustic device

   a device for amplifying or transmitting sound
4. noun

   a deaf person who is unable to speak
   synonyms: deaf-and-dumb person, deaf-mute

   types:

   dummy, silent person

   a person who does not talk

   type of:

   deaf person

   a person with a severe auditory impairment
5. verb

   deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping
   synonyms: damp, dampen, dull, muffle, tone down

   type of:

   soften

   make (images or sounds) soft or softer