stilled

USAGE SUMMARY

"stilled" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "still," which means to make or become quiet, calm, or motionless. An example of using "stilled" in a sentence could be: "The crowd stilled as the performer took the stage, awaiting her next move with bated breath." This sentence indicates that the crowd became quiet and calm as they eagerly anticipated the performer's next action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And that drumbeat would continue and would not be stilled except by a second general election.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two rivers of people flowed by either side, not allowed to pause or take photographs, and not able to take their eyes off a face that so often smiled but was now stilled for ever.

The Guardian

Weavers' dwellings were overgrown, the thatch alive with birds, snakes and insects, while roussettes – bats small and multi-coloured as butterflies – flew in and out of earth-mounds that had been homes; hunched vultures surveyed tracts of land in which the human voice was stilled.

The Guardian - Opinion

From the towers of Canary Wharf they looked down on the remains of what was once the world's busiest port and on a past that Britain seemed to have left far behind.Yet with the great tides of money that once washed these shores now stilled, Derby offers a different vision of Britain's future.

The Economist

"Talk about politics," urges a banner over the street, "think of the big picture, and embrace the blocking of the water".Starting at the end of this year, a 600km stretch of the fast-flowing Yangzi, from the city of Chongqing to Yichang, is to be stilled, drowning ancient towns, temples and farmland.

The Economist

Then, when…the turmoil of memories is stilled in my heart, ceaseless waves of joy are sent to me by inner thoughts…suddenly arising to delight my heart".As Mrs Brown has noted, people at this time came to realise that "the very absence of the human voice could render…communication all the richer" by giving the reader extra time and space to absorb the text and its many layers of meaning.

The Economist

He stilled talk of a guerrilla campaign, saying: "Guerrillas become brigands and any government is better than that".

The Economist

It cannot go back.Here's the column:IT WOULD probably be a mistake for Nick Clegg, the deputy prime minister, to walk into many British pubs imagine a bar suddenly stilled, pints hovering in mid-air and a silence broken only by growls from the landlord's dog.

The Economist

Historically, there has been a good deal of anti-Americanism in Muslim-majority Malaysia, but for the time being that seems to have been stilled.

The Economist

If only in this respect, the scale of Japan's slump benefits Mr Aso for now, since it has stilled such a rebellion.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

So far Mr Ejiofor's performance has received more than 30 different award nominations, but it is in truth quite a simple thing: the stilled-ness of a cornered animal, brow furrowed like a puppy's, eyes round and wide, an ordinary man who cannot edit out the evils he sees.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stilled" to describe a state of calmness or inactivity after a period of activity or noise. It effectively conveys a sense of resolution or quietude.

Common error

Avoid confusing "stilled" with "still". "Still" has multiple meanings (adverb, adjective, or verb), while "stilled" is specifically the past tense and past participle of the verb "still". Ensure you're using the past tense form when describing something that has been quieted or calmed.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "stilled" is as a verb in the past tense or as a past participle, indicating a completed action of quieting or calming something. Ludwig provides examples where "stilled" describes a state of being quieted or made motionless.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stilled" is a versatile term primarily used as the past tense and past participle of the verb "still", denoting a state of calmness or inactivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While "stilled" is a strong choice, alternatives such as "quieted" or "calmed" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid confusing it with the multiple meanings of "still" itself. This ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calmed

This alternative focuses on the act of becoming peaceful or quiet, similar to "stilled".

quieted

This alternative highlights the reduction of noise or disturbance, akin to "stilled".

silenced

This emphasizes the cessation of sound or speech, closely related to the idea of being "stilled".

hushed

This alternative creates a sense of stillness and quietude, like "stilled".

motionless

This suggests a lack of movement or activity, similar to a state of being "stilled".

pacified

This indicates a state of peace or tranquility, reflecting the effect of being "stilled".

subdued

This alternative refers to a state of being quieted or brought under control, similar to "stilled".

brought to a standstill

This phrase emphasizes the cessation of movement, mirroring one aspect of "stilled".

rendered inactive

This highlights the state of being made inactive, similar to being "stilled".

lulled

This alternative implies a gentle calming or quieting effect, akin to "stilled".

FAQs

How can I use "stilled" in a sentence?

You can use "stilled" to describe something that has become quiet, calm, or motionless. For example, "The argument was "stilled" by his apology."

What is an alternative word for "stilled"?

Alternatives for "stilled" include "quieted", "silenced", or "calmed", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the noise was stilled"?

Yes, "the noise was stilled" is grammatically correct. It indicates that the noise has been reduced or eliminated.

What's the difference between "stilled" and "still"?

"Still" can function as an adverb, adjective, or verb, while "stilled" is specifically the past tense and past participle of the verb "still", meaning to have made something quiet or motionless.