Definition
沉寂 describes a state of deep stillness or quietness — often used for environments that are eerily silent, for a lack of news or responses over a period, or metaphorically for someone lying low without activity. It works as a stative verb (predicate adjective) and pairs with adverbs like 一片 or 陷入. In literary or formal writing it carries a sense of gloom or isolation.
v.p.
stillquietsilent (of environment or atmosphere)without newsin a state of being heard from (of communication)(figuratively) to lie lowto remain inactive
Examples
- 沉寂,。Shēnyè de chéngshì yípiàn chén jì, zhǐyǒu lùdēng hái liàngzhe.The city was utterly silent late at night, with only the streetlights still on.
- 沉寂,。Tā yīnwèi bèi diàochá ér xuǎnzé zànshí chén jì, bù duìwài fābiǎo rènhé yánlùn.He chose to lie low temporarily because of the investigation, not making any public statements.
- 沉寂,。Zhè jiàn shì yǐjīng chén jì duō nián, zhídào zuìjìn cái yǒu rén chóngxīn tíqǐ.This matter has been dormant for years; only recently did someone bring it up again.
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