Definition

Describing someone or something that does not have a voice or is unable to speak. In linguistics, it refers to sounds made without using the vocal cords.

Example

The voiceless sounds in the word 'pat' are produced without vibrating the vocal cords.

Conversation

Have you noticed how some animals are completely voiceless?

Yeah, it's interesting how they communicate without sounds.

Exactly! I wonder how they express their feelings.

It's fascinating; they must rely on body language a lot.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Voiceless → It is formed from "voice" (from Old French *vois*, meaning sound produced by humans) and "-less" (meaning without). The word "voiceless" means without voice or sound.

Memory Tip

Think of 'voice' as the sound we make, and '-less' means without. So, voiceless describes something that has no sound or voice.

Visually Confused Words