wordless

/ˈwɜːdləs/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈɚdləs] /ˈwɜːrdləs/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈɚdləs] /ˈwərd-ləs How to pronounce wordless (audio)/ (ame, mw)

wordless — adjective

  • wordlesspositive
  • more wordlesscomparative
  • most wordlesssuperlative

1. Describes someone or something that says nothing, or communicates through silenc

1.形容詞C1
釋義

Describes someone or something that says nothing, or communicates through silence, expression, or gesture instead of speech.

例句

After the phone call, Karim stood wordless by the kitchen door.

predicative use: stand wordless after strong emotion

The children gave a wordless stare when the snake crossed the path.

collocation: wordless stare

同義詞
  • silent

    broader and more neutral; can describe people, rooms, or periods with no sound

  • speechless

    usually suggests a strong feeling such as shock, grief, or amazement

  • unspoken

    best for thoughts, agreement, or feelings that are understood but not said aloud

  • mute

    stronger; often implies inability or deliberate refusal to speak

反義詞
  • spoken

    put into words aloud

  • verbal

    expressed through words rather than silence or gesture

  • talkative

    used for people who speak a lot instead of staying silent

文法句型

be + wordless

stand/sit + wordless

a wordless + noun

用法筆記

Often follows linking verbs after shock, grief, or surprise. It also commonly modifies nouns like look, nod, hug, or scene when the meaning is carried without speech.

常見錯誤

❌The library was wordless all afternoon.
✅The library was silent all afternoon.
💡'wordless' usually describes people, expressions, or communication, not the general noise level of a place.
❌She gave me a wordless answer.
✅She gave me a wordless look.
💡'wordless' suggests no spoken reply, so use it with looks, gestures, or silence rather than 'answer'.