Silver Definition Silver Definition 1

Silver (noun) — a shiny, decorative, lustrous material that is grayish white in color and is a precious metal used for decorations and jewelry.

Part of speech:
Noun (uncountable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/ˈbæk.pæk/
CEFR level:
A2
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Silver”?

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Tips for “silver” pronunciation: 

Start with sil using a short i like in “sit,” then add ver with a soft v sound. Stress falls on the first syllable: SIL-ver.

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Examples: How to Use “Silver” in a Sentence?

The following are simple sentences in spoken English where the term “silver” is used:

To make contrasts in the portrait, the artist used silver paint.
Even in difficult situations, there is always a silver lining.
We must make sure that all silver gets polished for our guests.
He parked a silver Volkswagen outside the building.
Having a silver tongue, she managed to convert everyone through her speech.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Silver”?

Since silver refers to a unique metal, there are no direct synonyms; however, here are related words that you may find useful.

Related nouns: metal sterling platinum chrome

Synonyms (contextual): none, it’s a specific noun

Common collocations: silver medal silver screen silver hair silver anniversary

“Silver” Word Formation and Description in Context

“Silver” in English appears in many common word combinations, learning which will help you discuss precious accessories and tell what you want to do to them.

With adjectives: polished silver solid silver sterling silver pure silver

With verbs: wear silver clean silver mine silver invest in silver polish silver

With nouns (noun + noun): silver ring silver coin silver jewelry silver plate silver watch

Idioms and Phrases with “Silver”

You’ve learned how to say “silver” and its formation, but this word can have different meanings, unrelated to metal. The sentences below are representative of the symbolizations of wealth and plenty.

  • Silver lining — a positive aspect of a bad situation.

    Losing my job was tough, but the silver lining was that I got to spend more time with my kids.
  • Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth — born in a wealthy family that has a lot of opportunities.

    He was not a boy born with a silver spoon in his mouth; he worked himself hard to get where he is.
Silver Idioma Silver Idioma 1
  • Silver screen — the film industry or cinema in general.

    She always dreamed of being a famous star on the silver screen.
  • Silver-tongued — very good at speaking with persuasive moves.

    The silver-tongued salesman persuaded everyone to buy his products.

Test Your Knowledge of “Silver” Meaning: Quiz Time!

Let’s check how well you have memorized the “silver” description. Tap into our collection of engaging exercises!

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
Silver is a precious metal used for making jewelry.
2
“Silver lining” means a type of silver thread.
3
Someone born with a silver spoon grew up in a wealthy family.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these phrases in the right order:
1
ring
wearing
is
silver
a
She
2
has
cloud
silver
Every
a
lining
3
made
coins
silver
of
The
were
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Read accurately and select the correct option:
1
“She has silver hair” means her hair is:
2
What is the meaning of the “silver screen”?
3
What can be understood about someone who is “silver-tongued”?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Silver” Word in Other Languages

Have you ever considered how to spell “silver” in German or French? Here is the term for the shiny precious metal in three widely spoken languages across Europe.

Language Word for “Silver”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Plata
Flag French French   Argent
Flag German German   Silber

Did You Know? Fun Facts About “Silver”

The meaning of “silver” translates to money and power; however, its popularity extends beyond this connotation. Look at some interesting facts that will tell you about mysterious silver mountains and the unique characteristics of this metal.

  • Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of any metal.

    It is because of the specific property that silver is so essential to electronics. Because tiny amounts of silver act as catalysts, phones, computers, and solar panels contain it.
  • The very term “silver” has given a country its name.

    Argentina comes from the Latin word argentum, meaning “silver.” When Spanish explorers came to the region, they heard fantastical tales of vast Mountain ranges where silver was said to grow like some sort of silver locust.
  • Ancient Egyptians valued silver more than gold.

    Silver was considered more precious in Egypt than gold because it was rarer. Pharaohs wore silver jewelry as a symbol of the moon god.
  • Silver has natural antibacterial properties.

    Water and milk were stored inside silver urns to last longer. For thousands of years, the use of silver in materializing good health provision had been made commonplace. Therefore, it is still widely used in the health sector as an antibacterial agent in bandages.

Famous Quotes About “Silver”

In the English language, silver takes a striking position in threading through the ample idioms. The metal is most frequently portrayed in discussions of optimism and hope, embodying the bright outcome that makes its surprise appearance in the darkness of hardship.

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

Explanation: Here, Gandhi asserts that health is really the only criterion for true wealth. Goodness within a person, however much wealthy or what all he may have, cannot be collected, unless one has robust health.

“My crown was crafted of silver and diamond, all fashioned into swirls of stars and various phases of the moon.”

Sarah J. Maas

Explanation: This is in reference to Feyre Archeron’s crown; as the High Lady of the Night Court, she reigns together with Rhysand. In the larger picture, “Night Triumphant — and the Stars Eternal” brings light into the darkness of Rhysand.

“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul; wisdom is better than silver or gold.”

— Bob Marley

Explanation: The famous artist cared to warn those who are fervently set on having material wealth that it could ransack all their serenity, and that the eyes cannot see what makes every gold and silver incapable of being compared in dignity with spirituality and discernment.