silently
/ˈsaɪləntli/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
In a silent manner; making no noise.
Adverb
Examples
It often happens that the most important results in the natural world are brought about by causes which operate silently, if not imperceptibly.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Of an edit or change to a text, without explicit acknowledgment.
Adverb
Examples
There never was an English-language text, either in 1561 or 1859. Yule and Burnell have silently provided a translation.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “silently” mean?
In a silent manner; making no noise.
Is “silently” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.