Quietens

Quietens (verb): To become or make something calm, still, or less noisy. This can refer to a decrease in physical sounds, emotional disturbance, or activity. It implies a transition from a state of unrest or loudness to one of tranquility. The process can be gradual or sudden, affecting both tangible and intangible elements. This action aims to restore peace, reduce agitation, or create a more subdued atmosphere. It emphasizes a lessening or cessation of disruption, leading to a more peaceful or controlled condition, whether applied to a situation, a person, or a thing. It can also be used in a metaphorical sense such as: to appease an individuals feeling, which is to make them calm or less upset.

Quietens meaning with examples

• The sudden downpour quietens the bustling city streets, the sounds of traffic and people fading as the rain intensifies. The birdsong now replaces the daily commute. The once vibrant market square now lay deserted until the sun begins to emerge. This abrupt change is what quietens an environment, taking away what was present and replacing it with something new.
• The therapist's soothing voice and empathetic listening helped quieten the patient's anxieties. Their agitated thoughts gradually subsided as they felt understood. The calming effect of the session allowed the person to find their peace within and address their troubles in a clearer state of mind. The patient then felt at peace with themselves and their surroundings, which is what the therapist set out to do.
• After the storm, the wind finally quietens, leaving behind an eerie stillness in the forest. The rustling leaves cease their frantic dance, and the trees stand motionless. As the moon peeks through the clouds, the shadows begin to play with the silhouettes of the towering trees. The sudden cessation is what made the environment at ease, providing time for reflection.
• To help quieten the crying baby, the mother softly rocked the child in her arms and sang a gentle lullaby. The melodic tune calmed the baby and created a state of tranquility. The simple act of physical comfort and melodic sounds soothed the infants unrest. The baby stopped crying and drifted off into a peaceful slumber, which is what the mother set out to do.
• The teacher raised her hand, which quietens the disruptive chatter of the students in the classroom. The boisterous conversations faded as the students became silent to acknowledge the new situation. This swift shift in attention allowed the teacher to begin her lesson and restore order to the environment. It sets up the beginning for a new beginning and the lessons learned.