adj.
(quieter, quietest)
- making little or no noise.
▸free from activity, disturbance, or excitement.
▸undisturbed; uninterrupted.
- discreet, moderate, or restrained.
▸(of a person) tranquil and reserved.
▸(of a colour or garment) unobtrusive.
n.
silence; calm.
v.
chiefly N. Amer. make or become quiet.
Phrase
- keep quiet
refrain from speaking or revealing a secret. - keep something quiet
keep something secret. - on the quiet
informal secretly or unobtrusively.
Derivative
- quieten v.
- quietly adv.
- quietness n.
Etymology
ME (as n. denoting peace as opposed to war): via OFr., based on L. quies, quiet- ‘repose, quiet’.
