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wordlessly

B2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /wˈɜːdləsli/

US

  • /wˈɜːdləsli/

Description

To do something wordlessly means to do it without using words, through actions, expressions, or silence. A loving glance between two people can say a lot wordlessly, just as a frustrated sigh can show annoyance without a single spoken word. It often points to emotion or understanding that does not need speech. Think of a parent comforting a child wordlessly with a hug, or a musician expressing feeling wordlessly through an instrument.

Examples

  1. 1

    Silent gesture

    She nodded wordlessly and moved aside so I could pass.

  2. 2

    Shocked reaction

    He took the photo from my hand and stared at it wordlessly.

  3. 3

    After conflict

    After the argument, they finished dinner wordlessly.

  4. 4

    Shared understanding

    Across the crowded room, Maya and her sister looked at each other wordlessly and both started to laugh.

  5. 5

    Bad news

    When the manager told him the news, he packed his desk wordlessly and left.

See also

adverbwithout using words or speech

Similar

Shades of meaning

  • nonverbally

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • wordlessly nodded
  • wordlessly shook his head
  • stared wordlessly

Word family

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Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • wordlesslyadverb