quietude
Americannoun
noun
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.
Vocabulary lists containing quietude
40 SAT words Beginning with "Q"
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Vocabulary Video Contest (2013) - List 1
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The Mayor of Casterbridge
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sawai demonstrates how a performance made of subtle emotional expression, minimal physical movement, and quietude steadily ramps up to the tour de force ninth episode, “Crimson Sky.”
From Salon • Apr. 17, 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
At work, Fran’s quietude exists against the mundane chatter of her co-workers.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2024
For some viewers, quietude may yield to boredom.
From New York Times • Mar. 30, 2023
I could imagine her tramping through the rooms, perhaps paying sixpence for admission, ripping the quietude with her sharp, staccato laugh.
From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
