s-i-l-e-n-c-e
SILENCE is the complete absence of sound or the state of being quiet and still. In word games, this peaceful 7-letter word scores 9 base points and can earn a 50-point bingo bonus.
9
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
SILENCE represents the absence of sound, noise, or speech. It can be a physical phenomenon measured in decibels, a social construct in human interaction, or a powerful tool for communication and contemplation. From the quietest places on Earth to the vacuum of space, silence takes many forms.
In human experience, silence serves multiple purposes. It can indicate respect, as in moments of silence for remembrance. It can signal contemplation, allowing space for thought and reflection. In conversation, strategic silence can be more powerful than words, creating emphasis or prompting others to speak.
Different cultures interpret silence uniquely. In some Eastern philosophies, silence is valued as a path to enlightenment. In Western contexts, it might indicate awkwardness or tension. The phrase "silence is golden" reflects the universal recognition of silence's value in appropriate contexts.
Scientifically, absolute silence is nearly impossible to achieve on Earth. Even in soundproof chambers, people report hearing their own heartbeat, breathing, and blood circulation. The quietest place on Earth, an anechoic chamber at Orfield Laboratories, measures at -24.9 dBA, where people can hear their own body's internal sounds.
For Scrabble players, SILENCE offers strategic advantages as a 7-letter bingo word. Its common letters make it relatively easy to form from random tiles, while the C provides slight scoring elevation. The word's versatility allows for various extensions and modifications on the board.
SILENCE derives from the Latin "silentium," meaning "a being silent," which comes from "silere" - "to be quiet or still." This Latin root connects to the Proto-Indo-European base "*sai-," meaning "to bind" or "tie," suggesting the concept of lips being sealed or bound.
The word entered Middle English as "silence" through Old French in the 13th century. Initially, it referred primarily to the absence of speech rather than the absence of all sound. Over time, its meaning broadened to encompass complete quietness.
Related words across languages show similar roots: Spanish "silencio," Italian "silenzio," and Portuguese "silêncio" all derive from the same Latin source. The Germanic languages took different paths - German "Stille" and Dutch "stilte" come from a different root meaning "fixed" or "motionless."
The verb form "to silence" emerged in the 1560s, transforming the noun into an action. This grammatical flexibility has made "silence" a versatile word in English, functioning as noun, verb, and even interjection ("Silence!").
Silence holds remarkable power in communication and psychology. In negotiations, strategic pauses create pressure and encourage others to fill the void, often revealing valuable information. Therapists use silence to give clients space for self-reflection and emotional processing.
In music, silence (rests) creates rhythm, emphasis, and emotional impact. John Cage's composition "4'33"" consists entirely of silence, challenging our perception of music and sound. Film directors use silence to build tension or highlight significant moments.
Research shows that silence can enhance creativity, improve focus, and reduce stress. The brain remains active during quiet periods, processing information and forming new neural connections. This is why "eureka" moments often occur during silent activities like showering or walking.
•SILENCE scores 9 base points, or 59 with the 50-point bingo bonus for using all 7 tiles
•The world's quietest room can cause hallucinations - people rarely last more than 45 minutes in complete silence
•In space, silence is absolute because sound waves need a medium like air to travel through
•Silent films weren't actually silent - they were accompanied by live music, sound effects, and narration
"The silence in the library was so complete you could hear a pin drop."
"After the argument, an uncomfortable silence filled the room."
"The teacher used silence effectively to regain the class's attention."
"I played SILENCE as a bingo and scored 59 points!"
Total base points: 9 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 | Consonants: 4
Tips for bingo words:
QUIET
Low sound level
HUSH
Make quiet
MUTE
Without sound
PEACE
Tranquility
CALM
Still and quiet
SERENE
Peacefully quiet
Other valuable words in Scrabble
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like SILENCE