1 A2 neutral
To become less noisy or to reduce one's own noise level.
"The audience quieted down as soon as the lights dimmed and the show began."
inseparable
quiet down
A2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To become quieter, or to cause someone or something to make less noise.
In plain English
To stop making so much noise, or to make someone else be quieter.
What does "quiet down" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To cause someone or a group to stop making noise.
"The teacher clapped her hands three times to quiet down the excited students."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral
For a situation or period to become calmer and less active or eventful.
"After the initial excitement of the launch, things quieted down and the team settled into a routine."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bring quiet down upon a situation — to lower the level of noise.
Actually means
To stop making so much noise, or to make someone else be quieter.
Usage tip
Primarily American English. Can be used intransitively ('The crowd quieted down') or transitively ('Please quiet down the children'). Often used as a command. Refers to reduction in noise, activity, or commotion. The British equivalent is 'quieten down.'
Words that pair with "quiet down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
crowd children class audience noise room
How to conjugate "quiet down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
quiet down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
quiets down
he/she/it
Past simple
quieted down
yesterday
Past participle
quieted down
have + pp
-ing form
quieting down
continuous
Hear "quiet down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "quiet down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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