mute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate silencing or disabling sound, often in relation to devices or communication platforms. Example: "Please mute your microphone during the meeting to avoid background noise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No-one has yet spoken for the mute swan.

The Guardian

Instead, he and his senior ministers have to date remained totally mute.

The Guardian

Samantha Morton, much praised for her performance as the mute lover of Sean Penn in Sweet and Lowdown, was also nominated in the Golden Globes and faces competition from Chloe Sevingy who won the Globe for her part in Boys Don't Cry.

The Guardian

Laura Boldrini, speaker of the lower house of parliament, who has hit out at the way in which women are often depicted as "mute, and sometimes undressed" on television, lauded the rejection of the show as "a modern and civil choice".

The Guardian

We have only one resident swan species – the mute swan – and the most famous observation site is at Abbotsbury, Dorset, where the swannery is the only managed colony in the world.

The Guardian - Travel

She has Countdown on in the background but she has it on mute.

The Guardian - Opinion

The term "deaf mute" is also outdated and offensive; "deaf", where relevant, will suffice.

The Guardian

His body was ablaze as he staggered in circles in mute agony.

The Guardian

Hollywood, which has close ties to Israel, has remained largely mute on Gaza.

The Guardian

Her younger sister Stephanie, who also attends the school, is electively mute.

The Guardian

That way, they can keep tweeting … and anyone who objects can hit the mute button.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mute" to describe a device function where turning off the microphone is the objective. For example: "mute the microphone for better audio".

Common error

Avoid using "mute" interchangeably with "silence" in all contexts. While both relate to reducing sound, "mute" often implies a feature or function that can be toggled, especially in digital settings, whereas "silence" is a broader term for the absence of sound.

Linguistic Context

The word "mute" functions as a verb (to silence), an adjective (silent), and a noun (a device for silencing). As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly describes the act of silencing a device or remaining silent, highlighting its versatile role in communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "mute" is a versatile term with multiple grammatical functions, used to describe silence, the act of silencing, or a device designed for this purpose. Drawing from a vast array of sources, Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in formal and informal contexts. When choosing "mute", remember that it often implies a deliberate or functional silencing. Alternatives like "silence" and "turn off audio" can offer greater clarity, depending on your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

silence

Focuses on the act of making something quiet or stopping sound.

turn off audio

Directly indicates disabling the sound output.

deactivate sound

Specifically refers to turning off audio, often in electronic devices.

suppress sound

Suggests actively preventing sound from being heard.

render speechless

Emphasizes the effect of causing someone to be unable to speak, often due to surprise or shock.

make no sound

Emphasizes the absence of any noise.

remain silent

Highlights the choice or state of not speaking.

become silent

Describes the transition into a state of quietness.

keep quiet

Implies maintaining silence, often to avoid disturbing others.

hush

A more informal and sometimes urgent request for silence.

FAQs

How can I use "mute" in a sentence?

You can use "mute" as a verb, meaning to silence or turn off the sound, as in, "Please "mute" your microphone during the presentation". It can also be used as an adjective, meaning silent, as in, "The pictures were "mute" forms of communication".

What are some alternatives to the word "mute"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "silence", "deactivate sound", or "remain silent". The best choice will depend on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Is it offensive to use the term "deaf-mute"?

Yes, the term "deaf-mute" is considered outdated and offensive. It is preferable to use "deaf" or "hard of hearing". The Guardian's style guide also confirms that "deaf "mute"" is also outdated and offensive.

How does the adjective "mute" differ from "silent"?

"Mute" often implies a temporary or intentional suppression of sound or speech, or a lack of ability to speak, while "silent" simply means not making sound. For example, a device can be set to "mute", while a room can be "silent".