ˈkwaɪət adj., n., & v. --adj. (quieter, quietest) 1
with little or no
sound or
motion. 2 of
gentle or
peaceful disposition. 3 (of a
colour,
piece of
clothing, etc.)
unobtrusive;
not showy. 4 not
overt;
private; disguised (quiet resentment). 5
undisturbed;
uninterrupted;
free or
far from vigorous action (a quiet
time for prayer). 6
informal;
simple (just a quiet wedding). 7 enjoyed in quiet (a quiet smoke). 8
tranquil; not
anxious or
remorseful. --n. 1
silence; stillness. 2 an undisturbed
state; tranquillity. 3 a state of
being free from
urgent tasks or
agitation (it is
very quiet at work). 4 a peaceful state of affairs (all quiet
along the frontier). --v. 1 tr.
sooth,
make quiet. 2 intr. (often foll. by down)
become quiet or
calm. øbe quiet (esp. in imper.)
cease talking etc.
keep quiet 1 refrain from
making a
noise. 2 (often foll. by about)
suppress or refrain from disclosing
information etc. on the quiet unobtrusively; secretly. øøquietly adv. quietness n. [ME f. AF quiete f. OF quiet(e), quiet÷ f. L
quietus past part. of quiescere: see QUIESCENT]
