wordlessly
gb/wˈɚdlˈɛsli/ us/wˈɚdlˈɛsli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
without speaking; in silence
Without speaking.
Usage pattern:
[someone] [verb] wordlessly
Common mistake:
Don’t use it as an adjective before a noun (say “a wordless stare,” not “a wordlessly stare”).
Synonyms
silently (More general; not necessarily implying that words were expected.)
|
mutely (Often suggests inability or refusal to speak.)
|
quietly (Focuses on low noise, not specifically on the absence of words.)
Antonyms
aloud (With the voice; not silent.)
|
verbally (Using spoken words.)
Collocations
wordlessly nod
|wordlessly agree
|wordlessly leave
|wordlessly walk away
|wordlessly sit
|wordlessly stare
|wordlessly watch
|wordlessly follow
|wordlessly wait
|wordlessly shake (one's) head
Themes
communication
|daily_life
Examples
- He read the message, then wordlessly put his phone away.
- They stood wordlessly at the door, unsure what to say.
- She nodded wordlessly and followed him inside.
Learner examples
- He left wordlessly.
- She nodded wordlessly.
adverb
B2
process
2
communicating without words
By using actions or expressions, not words.
Usage pattern:
[someone] [verb] [something] wordlessly
Common mistake:
In this sense it often goes with verbs like “communicate,” “convey,” or “express,” not just “be” or “exist.”
Synonyms
nonverbally (A more explicit term for communication without words.)
|
implicitly (Emphasizes that something is suggested rather than stated.)
Antonyms
explicitly (Stated clearly in words.)
|
in words (Expressed using spoken or written language.)
Collocations
wordlessly communicate
|wordlessly convey
|wordlessly express
|wordlessly signal
|wordlessly indicate
|wordlessly show
Themes
communication
|emotions
|body_language
Examples
- She wordlessly conveyed her disappointment with a look.
- The raised eyebrow wordlessly signaled that he disagreed.
- He wordlessly indicated the empty chair beside him.
Learner examples
- He wordlessly showed he was angry.
Grammar
Dictionary form
wordlessly
IPA
GB/wˈɚdlˈɛsli/
US/wˈɚdlˈɛsli/
Syllables & stress
word - lessly (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (word)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: wordlessly
- Plural: wordlesslies
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.