quietude

American  

[kwahy-i-tood, -tyood] / ˈkwaɪ ɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

noun

1. the state of being quiet; tranquility; calmness; stillness.

   After the storm passed, there was a lovely quietude.

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quietude British  

/ ˈkwaɪəˌtjuːd /

noun

1. the state or condition of being quiet, peaceful, calm, or tranquil

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Etymology

Origin of quietude

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Late Latin quiētūdō, equivalent to Latin quiētus quiet + -tūdō -tude

Explanation

Your mother has probably more than once asked you for quietude even if she hasn't used the word. Quietude means a state of peace and quiet. It goes hand in hand with solitude. Quietude is a word that is used less and less, as we seem to have less time and space for it. A park used to be a good place to find quietude, but with cell phones, you're likely to begin chatting even when no one else is around. If you really want quietude, you might try a library, or a chapel. Meditation can be used to bring you a moment of quietude wherever you are. Try it now. Ohhhmmm. Ohhhmmm. Ohhhmmm.

Example Sentences

Without the devices, there’s a sublime and supreme sense of quietude.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2024

From serene nature retreats to silent walking, the quest for quietude has become one of modern travel’s latest trends.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 4, 2024

For some viewers, quietude may yield to boredom.

From New York Times • Mar. 30, 2023

He began the project during the quietude of the coronavirus pandemic, sitting alone at an upright Yamaha piano in the music room of his Pasadena, Calif., home.

From Washington Post • Mar. 6, 2023

According to his account, the strangest thing was that there were so many people around him, moving so urgently, handling his body with such excitement, while all his awareness was of quietude.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas