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quiet time

quiet time

21 3.7
A short time that is calm and quiet for rest or thinking
  • noun
  • /ˈkwaɪət taɪm/
translation icon : tiempo de tranquilidad
  • It's nice to have this quiet time before we go.
  • more quiet time

Step one, consider mandated quiet time on the calendar.

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Examples

  • I just need some quiet time to think.

  • I went to school early and stayed late to find quiet time to concentrate.

    Academic text (2004)
  • So I think we really need to take quiet time, you know, to not have our devices on.

  • All right everybody, five minutes of quiet time.

  • I need some quiet time.

  • You need quiet time where you can just clear your mind and just focus on what you're doing.

  • Although young children are known for their seemingly boundless energy, occasionally they will want quiet time.

    Academic text (1999)
  • I'm not judging, but after a couple weeks you're probably just going to want some quiet time to yourself.

  • There are few ways to spend quiet time that are more enjoyable than the time spent photographing hummingbirds.

    Academic text (1999)
  • After a long day of work, I like to enjoy some quiet time in my garden.

Synonyms

silence
vsquiet time
660 2.0

A period with no sound or speech

is a period of calm that may include total absence of sound
calm
vsquiet time
52 1.0

A quiet, peaceful feeling that helps you stay steady

is a period intended to create that peaceful, undisturbed condition
tranquility
vsquiet time
  • US
49 4.0

A calm, peaceful state with no noise or worry

is a defined time to experience that peaceful, undisturbed state
quiet
vsquiet time
45 1.0

A calm time with little or no sound

is a specific period used to achieve that calm state
peace and quiet
vsquiet time
  • Informal
43 1.0

A calm time or place with little noise

is the specific period used for rest or quiet reflection
stillness
vsquiet time
38 3.5

A time of complete quiet and no movement that feels calm

is a span used for rest that may include total lack of movement
moment of silence
vsquiet time
  • Formal
28 3.5

A short time when people stay quiet to honor or remember someone

is a calmer period mainly for personal rest and reflection rather than solemnity
calmness
vsquiet time
9 2.7

A state without strong feelings or worry in your mind

is a time set aside to feel that steady, untroubled quality
quietness
vsquiet time
7 1.0

A lack of noise or disturbance in a place

is a span of time set aside to have that low-noise condition
quietude
vsquiet time
  • Literature
3 8.0

A calm, peaceful feeling or time

is a period during which that deep calm is sought or practiced
breathing space
vsquiet time
  • Formal
1 3.5

A short time to rest or think when you feel pressure

is a calmer break mainly for rest, reflection, or relaxation
restfulness
vsquiet time
1 3.2

A calm, peaceful feeling that helps you relax

is a time when that rested, relaxed feeling is intended or sought

Antonyms

1.0

Full of activity with many things to do

116 4.7

Not organized and full of confusion

How Calm

calm
52 1.0
quiet time
21 3.7
rest period
3 2.5
whirlwind of activity
  • Informal
1 4.1

Surface Forms

quiet time singular
quiet times plural

Morphology

quiet + time

The noun phrase 'quiet time' is a straightforward compositional combination of 'quiet' (making little noise) modifying 'time' (a span or period), so its meaning as a period of silence or calm follows directly from the constituents. This adj+noun pattern is common across languages and in English, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the intended sense.

Etymology

Quiet time comes from the simple image of making a place quiet for a short time, like when parents ask children to sit quietly or someone closes the door to rest. So, it now means a short period of calm to 'rest', 'think', or 'relax'.