“Silence” or “Silents”—Which to use?

“Silence” or “Silents”

Overview

silence / silents are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

silence: (noun) the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking). (noun) the absence of sound. (verb) keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure.

silents: NA

Pronunciation

silence: s·AY·l·ah·n·s

silents: NA

Trends

📈 See Trends

Looking for a tool that handles this for you wherever you write?

Get Sapling

Examples in Context

Examples of “silence”

…toward the Modoc" marred the silence.
…- episode - Barrier of Silence - Nielsen (1955)
…waits as deadline passes in silence', The Globe and Mail, December…
…an X, the symbol of silence in Lémabantunk, which causes her…
Andy Winter (Age of Silence) - Piano, keyboards
…subsequent letters maintained a tactful silence on the matter or else…
…instrumental starts at 9:22 after silence.
…a state of stunned, emotionless silence.
At court, silence was at a premium, and…
"Silence in Despair" - 4:55

Examples of “silents”

Fannie Ward at Silents Are Golden
…cusp of the transition from silents to talkies in British cinema,…

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

Too Much to Remember?

Install Sapling