--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Note that the word 'mute' is regarded by…" description: "\"“Note that the word 'mute' is regarded by linguists as an onomatopoeic formation referring not to silence but to a certain fundamental opacity of human..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c67/anne-carson-1985_anne-carson_note-that-the-word-mute-is-regarded-by-l_341841.png" --- # Note that the word 'mute' is regarded by linguists as an… ![“Note that the word 'mute' is regarded by linguists as an onomatopoeic formation referring not to silence but to a certain fundamental opacity of human being, which likes to show the truth by allowing to be seen hiding.” quote by Anne Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c67/anne-carson-1985_anne-carson_note-that-the-word-mute-is-regarded-by-l_341841.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c67/anne-carson-1985_anne-carson_note-that-the-word-mute-is-regarded-by-l_341841.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c67/anne-carson-1985_anne-carson_note-that-the-word-mute-is-regarded-by-l_341841.png) > ““Note that the word 'mute' is regarded by linguists as an onomatopoeic formation referring not to silence but to a certain fundamental opacity of human being, which likes to show the truth by allowing to be seen hiding.”” [Anne Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-carson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The term “mute” describes a deep, inherent opacity in people, where truth is revealed through what is concealed. **In simple terms:** People hide truth, showing it by being hidden. Key Takeaway Recognize hidden layers in communication. Themes identity truth communication Mood reflective introspective Type philosophical literary When to use this quote - personal relationships - literary analysis - psychology - conflict resolution Key Concepts ontology semiotics Questions to Reflect On - How does hiddenness reveal truth? - When does silence become a barrier? A Different Perspective Opacity can be misinterpreted as silence, leading to misunderstanding. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Anne-carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anne-carson-8952/) [Linguists Onomatopoeic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/linguists-onomatopoeic-3176692/) [Mute](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mute/) [Mute Regarded](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mute-regarded-3176691/) [Referring Silence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/referring-silence-3176693/) [Silence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/silence/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) [Word Mute](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/word-mute-2673513/) ## Related quotes > [I'm slammed with an identity that can no longer say a word; mute with responsibility,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-millett/i-m-slammed-with-an-identity-that-can-no-longer-say-a-word-mute-with/) [Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-millett/) > [“Sublime natures are seldom clean!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/longinus/sublime-natures-are-seldom-clean/) [Longinus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/longinus/) > [Nothing is more destructive of human dignity than a rule which imposes a mute and blind obedience.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-eden/nothing-is-more-destructive-of-human-dignity-than-a-rule-which/) [Anthony Eden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-eden/) > [Her beauty might fascinate men, but it was difficult to charm them when she stood mute. . . .](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michelle-moran/her-beauty-might-fascinate-men-but-it-was-difficult-to-charm-them/) [Michelle Moran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michelle-moran/) > [Discipline must come through liberty. . . . 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