Phrase guide

be quiet

intj · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American: /biˈkwaɪˌət/

1

intj

Meaning 1

Remain silent. Sometimes used as a more polite synonym of shut up.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: imperative

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

refuse to talk or stop talking; fall silent

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The children shut up when their father approached

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: close up, clam up, dummy up, shut up, belt up, button up, keep mum

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From be + quiet.