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nonspeaking

nonspeaking

1 6.0
Not using spoken words, for example a silent actor or someone using sign language
  • adjective
  • /nɒnˈspiːkɪŋ/
translation icon : sin hablar
  • I could do with some good nonhuman, nonspeaking, nonbleeding company.
  • nonspeaking role
  • nonspeaking parts

Examples

  • It used to be that the camera would break away from the speaker and focus on the nonspeaking debater for a reaction shot of him with a "you just used the wrong fork" look on his face.

    Blog text (16)
  • The theater production required several nonspeaking actors to enhance the visual storytelling.

  • Individuals, families, and the entire village possess nonspeaking power objects.

    Academic text (2008)
  • This philosophy brings humans closer to the nonspeaking actors with whom we share this planet.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Most of these students have very limited speech or are nonspeaking and also have limited language comprehension.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Whether by choice or not, Gardie almost always performed nonspeaking roles, usually as a dancer and pantomimist.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Glengarry Glen Ross, the quintessential masculine film (the only woman in the entire thing is a nonspeaking "coat check girl" in the credits).

    Blog text (9)
  • She also occasionally sang French songs, and her greatest American success (judging by its frequency in her repertoire) seems to have been as Columbine, the nonspeaking female lead in the winter holiday season's harlequinades.

    Academic text (2016)
  • In the workshop, we learned how to express emotions effectively through nonspeaking performances.

  • Her dance routine included nonspeaking elements that captivated the audience without any dialogue.

Synonyms

silent
vsnonspeaking
397 1.0

Not speaking when people expect an answer

tends to name absence of speech rather than inability or choice
mute
vsnonspeaking
20 4.1

Not using speech, often shown by a look or gesture

refers to roles or situations that simply lack speech
wordless
vsnonspeaking
9 4.1

A look or action that shows feeling without words

focuses specifically on absence of speech rather than writing
nonverbal
vsnonspeaking
4 5.4

Not able to speak or write to communicate with others

is used for roles or situations where no spoken words occur
walk-on
vsnonspeaking
  • Jargon
1 7.3

An acting part that has no spoken lines

applies more widely to people or contexts without speech
tongueless
vsnonspeaking
  • Literature
1 9.9

Shown or felt without spoken words

is the general term for roles or people lacking speech
unspeaking
vsnonspeaking
1 5.1

Not speaking, staying silent for any reason

usually refers to roles or states where no speech occurs
nonvocal
vsnonspeaking
5.7

A way to send messages without using the voice, for example gestures

is used for roles or situations that involve no speech

Antonyms

1.4

Able to talk or having words to say, for example a role with lines

How Talkative

vocal
87 4.9
talkative
33 2.5
nonverbal
8 3.7
quiet
1.0
silent
257 1.0
nonspeaking
1 6.0

Surface Forms

nonspeaking positive

Morphology

nonspeaking = speaking (transparent) = non + speak + ing

The adjective is formed by adding the negating prefix 'non-' to 'speaking' and the negation is directly inferable from the parts.

Etymology

Nonspeaking comes from the parts non- meaning 'not' and speaking from 'speak', so it literally means 'not speaking'. It is used for roles, people, or situations that do not use spoken words.