adj., n., & v.
adj. (quieter, quietest) 1 with little or no sound or motion. 2 of gentle or peaceful disposition. 3 (of a colour, piece of clothing, etc.) unobtrusive; not showy. 4 not overt; private; disguised (quiet resentment). 5 undisturbed; uninterrupted; free or far from vigorous action (a quiet time for prayer). 6 informal; simple (just a quiet wedding). 7 enjoyed in quiet (a quiet smoke). 8 tranquil; not anxious or remorseful.
n. 1 silence; stillness. 2 an undisturbed state; tranquillity. 3 a state of being free from urgent tasks or agitation (it is very quiet at work). 4 a peaceful state of affairs (all quiet along the frontier).
v. 1 tr. sooth, make quiet. 2 intr. (often foll. by down) become quiet or calm. be quiet (esp. in imper.) cease talking etc. keep quiet 1 refrain from making a noise. 2 (often foll. by about) suppress or refrain from disclosing information etc. on the quiet unobtrusively; secretly. quietly adv. quietness n.
[ ME f. AF quiete f. OF quiet(e), quieté f. L quietus past part. of quiescere: see QUIESCENT ]