Silent vs. Still — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 16, 2024
Silent refers to the absence of sound, emphasizing quietness; still implies lack of motion, focusing on calmness or inactivity.
Difference Between Silent and Still
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Silent often describes scenarios or environments where there is no noise, highlighting the absence of audible sound. On the other hand, still denotes an absence of movement, applicable to both living beings and inanimate objects.
While silence can be a characteristic of a place or a state of being, suggesting tranquility or secrecy, stillness often conveys a sense of calm, pause, or a temporary halt in activity.
In usage, being silent can refer to keeping quiet intentionally or existing in a state where no sound is made. Conversely, being still might involve conscious efforts to refrain from moving or it can describe something inherently motionless.
The concept of silence is integral to cultural practices such as meditation or moments of remembrance, where quietness is observed as a form of respect or focus. Whereas, stillness can be crucial in activities requiring precision and steadiness, like photography or hunting.
Silent environments are often sought for concentration and relaxation, such as libraries or quiet zones. On the other hand, still environments are ideal for situations requiring stability, like yoga or sleep.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Free from any sound or noise
Not moving; motionless
Implication
Quietness
Calmness, lack of motion
Common Usage
Silence in a room, silent mode on devices
Still waters, remain still during a game
Cultural Significance
Used in solemn or respectful occasions
Associated with stability and calm
Desired in
Settings requiring quiet such as exams
Activities needing steadiness like yoga
Compare with Definitions
Silent
Free from sound or noise.
The forest was completely silent at night.
Still
Without movement; stationary.
The cat sat still, watching the birds.
Silent
Not speaking or choosing not to speak.
He was silent during the meeting to avoid escalating the tension.
Still
Remaining in a specified state or position.
She kept still as the deer approached.
Silent
Used to describe devices or technology that operate without noise.
He installed a silent alarm system in his home.
Still
Not fizzy or aerated (as in beverages).
He prefers still water over sparkling.
Silent
Related to absence or cessation of sound.
The silent moments after the concert ended were very impactful.
Still
Calm, without turbulence.
The lake was still under the moonlight.
Silent
Implies a secretive or non-disclosing attitude.
She remained silent about her plans to leave the company.
Still
Continuing up to a time or event.
The old law is still in effect.
Silent
Marked by absence of noise or sound; still
The silent forest.
Still
A still is an apparatus used to distill liquid mixtures by heating to selectively boil and then cooling to condense the vapor. A still uses the same concepts as a basic distillation apparatus, but on a much larger scale.
Silent
Not inclined to speak; not talkative
He's the strong, silent type.
Still
Not moving or making a sound
The still body of the young man
The sheriff commanded him to stand still and drop the gun
She sat very still, her eyes closed
He lay still, unable to move
Silent
Not speaking or refraining from speech
Do be silent.
Still
Deep silence and calm; stillness
The still of the night
Silent
Not saying anything about a particular matter; making no mention
The poem is silent on the reason for the speaker's sadness.
Still
An ordinary static photograph as opposed to a motion picture, especially a single shot from a cinema film
Stills photography
Film stills
Silent
Not voiced or expressed; unspoken
A silent curse.
Silent consent.
Still
An apparatus for distilling alcoholic drinks such as whisky.
Silent
Having no spoken dialogue and usually no soundtrack. Used of a film.
Still
Up to and including the present or the time mentioned; even now (or then) as formerly
He still lives with his mother
It was still raining
Silent
(Linguistics) Having no phonetic value; unpronounced
The silent b in subtle.
Still
Nevertheless; all the same
I'm afraid he's crazy. Still, he's harmless
Silent
Inactive; quiescent
A silent volcano.
Still
Even (used with comparatives for emphasis)
Hank, already sweltering, began to sweat still more profusely
Write, or better still, type, captions for the pictures
Silent
Producing no detectable signs or symptoms
A silent heart attack.
Still
Make or become still; quieten
She raised her hand, stilling Erica's protests
The din in the hall stilled
Silent
A silent movie.
Still
Not moving or in motion
The patient must be still for the doctor to work.
Silent
Free from sound or noise; absolutely still; perfectly quiet.
Still
Free from disturbance, agitation, or commotion
The still waters of the lake.
Silent
Not speaking; indisposed to talk; speechless; mute; taciturn; not loquacious; not talkative.
Still
Of or relating to a single or static photograph as opposed to a movie.
Silent
Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed.
Still
Making or characterized by no sound or faint sound
The crowd cheered and then grew still.
Silent
(pronunciation) Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent.
The e is silent in fable.
Silent letters can make some words difficult to spell.
The “l” in the English word "salmon" is silent.
Still
Not carbonated; lacking effervescence
A still wine.
Silent
Having no effect; not operating; inefficient.
Still
Silence; quiet
The still of the night.
Silent
(technology) With the sound turned off; usually on silent or in silent mode.
My phone was on silent.
Still
A still photograph, especially one taken from a scene of a movie and used for promotional purposes.
Silent
(technology) Without audio capability.
Still
A still-life picture.
Silent
Hidden, unseen.
A silent voter; a silent partner
Still
An apparatus for distilling liquids, such as alcohols, consisting of a vessel in which the substance is vaporized by heat and a cooling device in which the vapor is condensed.
Silent
Of an edit or change to a text, not explicitly acknowledged.
Silent revisions; a silent emendation
Still
A distillery.
Silent
(genetics) Not implying significant modifications which would affect a peptide sequence.
Still
Without movement; motionlessly
Stand still.
Silent
Undiagnosed or undetected because of an absence of symptoms.
Still
At the present time; for the present
We are still waiting.
Silent
Of distilled spirit: having no flavour or odour.
Still
Up to or at a specified time; yet
Still had not made up her mind.
Silent
(uncountable) That which is silent; a time of silence.
Still
At a future time; eventually
May still see the error of his ways.
Silent
A silent movie
Still
In increasing amount or degree; even
And still further complaints.
Silent
Free from sound or noise; absolutely still; perfectly quiet.
How silent is this town!
Still
In addition; besides
Had still another helping.
Silent
Not speaking; indisposed to talk; speechless; mute; taciturn; not loquacious; not talkative.
Ulysses, adds he, was the most eloquent and most silent of men.
This new-created world, whereof in hellFame is not silent.
Still
All the same; nevertheless.
Silent
Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed; as, the wind is silent.
Still
To make motionless or unagitated
The afternoon heat stilled the breeze.
Silent
Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent; as, e is silent in "fable."
Still
To make quiet; silence
"a ... cold wind that stilled even the chorus of insects" (David Campbell).
Silent
Having no effect; not operating; inefficient.
Cause . . . silent, virtueless, and dead.
Still
To allay or calm
The parents stilled their child's fears of the dark.
Silent
That which is silent; a time of silence.
Still
To become still.
Silent
Marked by absence of sound;
A silent house
Soundless footsteps on the grass
The night was still
Still
Not moving; calm.
Sit there and stay still!
Still waters run deep.
Silent
Failing to speak or communicate etc when expected to;
The witness remained silent
Still
Not effervescing; not sparkling.
Still water; still wines
Silent
Indicated by necessary connotation though not expressed directly;
Gave silent consent
A tacit agreement
The understood provisos of a custody agreement
Still
Uttering no sound; silent.
Silent
Not made to sound;
The silent `h' at the beginning of `honor'
In French certain letters are often unsounded
Still
(not comparable) Having the same stated quality continuously from a past time
Silent
Having a frequency below or above the range of human audibility;
A silent dog whistle
Still
Comparatively quiet or silent; soft; gentle; low.
Silent
Unable to speak because of hereditary deafness
Still
(obsolete) Constant; continual.
Still
Without motion.
They stood still until the guard was out of sight.
Still
(aspect) Up to a time, as in the preceding time.
Is it still raining?
It was still raining five minutes ago.
We've seen most of the sights, but we are still visiting the museum.
I’m still not wise enough to answer that.
Still
(degree) To an even greater degree. Used to modify comparative adjectives or adverbs.
Tom is tall; Dick is taller; Harry is still taller / Harry is taller still.
Still
(conjunctive) Nevertheless.
I’m not hungry, but I’ll still manage to find room for dessert.
Yeah, but still...
Still
Always; invariably; constantly; continuously.
Still
(extensive) Even, yet.
Some dogs howl, more yelp, still more bark.
Still
A period of calm or silence.
The still of the night
Still
(photography) A photograph, as opposed to movie footage.
Still
(slang) A resident of the Falkland Islands.
Still
A device for distilling liquids.
Still
(catering) A large water boiler used to make tea and coffee.
Still
(catering) The area in a restaurant used to make tea and coffee, separate from the main kitchen.
Still
A building where liquors are distilled; a distillery.
Still
To calm down, to quiet.
To still the raging sea
Still
(obsolete) To trickle, drip.
Still
To cause to fall by drops.
Still
To expel spirit from by heat, or to evaporate and condense in a refrigeratory; to distill.
Still
Motionless; at rest; quiet; as, to stand still; to lie or sit still.
Still
Uttering no sound; silent; as, the audience is still; the animals are still.
The sea that roared at thy command,At thy command was still.
Still
Not disturbed by noise or agitation; quiet; calm; as, a still evening; a still atmosphere.
Still
Comparatively quiet or silent; soft; gentle; low.
Still
Constant; continual.
By still practice learn to know thy meaning.
Still
Not effervescing; not sparkling; as, still wines.
Still
Freedom from noise; calm; silence; as, the still of midnight.
Still
A steep hill or ascent.
Still
A vessel, boiler, or copper used in the distillation of liquids; specifically, one used for the distillation of alcoholic liquors; a retort. The name is sometimes applied to the whole apparatus used in in vaporization and condensation.
Still
A house where liquors are distilled; a distillery.
Still
To this time; until and during the time now present; now no less than before; yet.
It hath been anciently reported, and is still received.
Still
In the future as now and before.
Hourly joys be still upon you!
Still
In continuation by successive or repeated acts; always; ever; constantly; uniformly.
The desire of fame betrays an ambitious man into indecencies that lessen his reputation; he is still afraid lest any of his actions should be thrown away in private.
Chemists would be rich if they could still do in great quantities what they have sometimes done in little.
Still
In an increasing or additional degree; even more; - much used with comparatives.
The guilt being great, the fear doth still exceed.
Still
Notwithstanding what has been said or done; in spite of what has occured; nevertheless; - sometimes used as a conjunction. See Synonym of But.
As sunshine, broken in the rill,Though turned astray, is sunshine still.
Still
After that; after what is stated.
In the primitive church, such as by fear being compelled to sacrifice to strange gods, after repented, and kept still the office of preaching the gospel.
And like the watchful minutes to the hour,Still and anon cheered up the heavy time.
Still
To stop, as motion or agitation; to cause to become quiet, or comparatively quiet; to check the agitation of; as, to still the raging sea.
He having a full sway over the water, had power to still and compose it, as well as to move and disturb it.
Still
To stop, as noise; to silence.
With his name the mothers still their babies.
Still
To appease; to calm; to quiet, as tumult, agitation, or excitement; as, to still the passions.
Toil that would, at least, have stilled an unquiet impulse in me.
Still
To cause to fall by drops.
Still
To expel spirit from by heat, or to evaporate and condense in a refrigeratory; to distill.
Still
To drop, or flow in drops; to distill.
Still
A static photograph (especially one taken from a movie and used for advertising purposes);
He wanted some stills for a magazine ad
Still
(poetic) tranquil silence;
The still of the night
Still
An apparatus used for the distillation of liquids; consists of a vessel in which a substance is vaporized by heat and a condenser where the vapor is condensed
Still
A plant and works where alcoholic drinks are made by distillation
Still
Make calm or still;
Quiet the dragons of worry and fear
Still
Cause to be quiet or not talk;
Please silence the children in the church!
Still
Lessen the intensity of or calm;
The news eased my conscience
Still the fears
Still
Make motionless
Still
Not in physical motion;
The inertia of an object at rest
Still
Marked by absence of sound;
A silent house
Soundless footsteps on the grass
The night was still
Still
Free from disturbance;
A ribbon of sand between the angry sea and the placid bay
The quiet waters of a lagoon
A lake of tranquil blue water reflecting a tranquil blue sky
A smooth channel crossing
Scarcely a ripple on the still water
Unruffled water
Still
Used of pictures; of a single or static photograph not presented so as to create the illusion of motion; or representing objects not capable of motion;
A still photograph
Cezanne's still life of apples
Still
Not sparkling;
A still wine
Still mineral water
Still
Free from noticeable current;
A still pond
Still waters run deep
Still
With reference to action or condition; without change, interruption, or cessation;
It's still warm outside
Will you still love me when we're old and grey?
Still
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Still
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
Still
Without moving or making a sound;
He sat still as a statue
Time stood still
They waited stock-still outside the door
He couldn't hold still any longer
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between silent and still?
Silent refers to the absence of sound, while still refers to the absence of movement.
Why is stillness important in meditation?
Stillness can help in reducing mental distractions by calming the body, facilitating deeper meditation.
Does 'still water' mean it is clean?
'Still water' refers to non-carbonated water, not necessarily its cleanliness.
Is silence always a choice?
Silence can be a deliberate choice, but it can also be a natural state or condition.
Is it better to be silent or still in a dangerous situation?
Depending on the situation, being silent can avoid attracting attention with noise, and being still can prevent provoking a threat.
What are examples of silent animals?
Owls are often silent, especially during hunting.
How do filmmakers use silence and stillness?
Filmmakers use silence to build tension or focus on a scene's emotional aspect and stillness to emphasize a moment or detail.
What are the benefits of experiencing silence and stillness?
Experiencing silence and stillness can reduce stress, enhance awareness, and improve mental health.
How does silence affect communication?
Silence can enhance communication by providing space for thought and reflection, but it can also hinder it if used excessively or as avoidance.
Can a room be silent and still at the same time?
Yes, a room can be both silent, with no noise, and still, with no movement.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
