Definition of quiet

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< quiescent

quieten >

qui·et    (kwt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
qui·et·er, qui·et·est

1. Making little or no noise: quiet neighbors; a quiet engine.
2. Free of loud noise; hushed: a quiet street.
3. Calm and unmoving; still: a quiet lake.
4. Free of turmoil and agitation; untroubled. See Synonyms at still¹.
5. Restful; soothing: a quiet afternoon nap; a quiet tune on the flute.
6. Tranquil; serene: a quiet place in the country.
7. Not showy or garish; subdued: a room decorated in quiet colors.
8. Restrained in style; understated: a quiet strength; a quiet life.

NOUN:

The quality or condition of being quiet: "A menacing quiet fills the empty streets" (Time).

VERB:
qui·et·ed, qui·et·ing, qui·ets
VERB:
tr.

1. To cause to become quiet.
2. Law To make (a title) secure by freeing from all questions or challenges.

VERB:
intr.

To become quiet: The child wouldn't quiet down for me.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin quitus, past participle of quiscere, to rest; see k^wei- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
quiet·ly(Adverb), quiet·ness(Noun)