I. ˈkwīə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin quiet-, quies rest, quiet — more at while
: the quality or state of being quiet : tranquillity , repose , stillness — often used as a command
•
- at quiet
- on the quiet
II. adjective
( usually -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French quiet, quiete, from Latin quietus, from past participle of quiescere to be quiet, from quies rest, quiet
1.
a.
(1) : marked by little or no motion or agitation : making little stir : calm
the quiet waters of a lagoon
(2) : marked by little or no activity
during the morning, business was quiet
: not moving about : inactive
a quiet throng of onlookers
b. : causing no trouble or disturbance : not turbulent : gentle
a quiet , peace-loving people
c.
(1) : not excited, anxious, or wrought up : settled
leading a quiet life
went about her work with quiet efficiency
(2) : not disturbed, bothered, or annoyed : not interfered or meddled with
decided to do a little quiet reading
: enjoyed in peace and relaxation
a quiet cup of tea
(3) : free of strife, bustle, and commotion : placid
a quiet countryside
2.
a.
(1) : making no noise or uproar : acting, moving, or resting in silence
the class was quiet and listened intently
(2) : free from noise or uproar : silent , still , hushed
the room was dark and quiet
b. : not marked by extremes : not such as to attract undue attention : not showy or obtrusive
clothes that were in quiet good taste
3. : retired , secluded
a quiet nook
4. of a volcanic eruption : marked by the extrusion of lava without violent explosions
III. adverb
( usually -er/-est )
: quietly
IV. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Late Latin quietare to set free, calm, from Latin quietus quiet — more at quiet II
transitive verb
1. : to cause to be quiet : pacify , calm
had no trouble in quieting the crowd
2. : to put at rest by freeing the fact of ownership from dispute or question — usually used in the phrase to quiet title
intransitive verb
: to become quiet — usually used with down
had been excited but soon quieted down
Synonyms: see calm