What is motionless? Pronunciation and usage in English

motionless means . Learn how to pronounce and use motionless through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of motionless

motionlessadjective

/ˈməʊʃnləs//ˈməʊʃnləs/

Okay, let's break down the pronunciation of "motionless." It's a tricky one because of the multiple syllables! Here's a breakdown:

Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • moe-SHUN-less

Let’s break it down syllable by syllable:

  • moe: Like the word "moe" (as in, a small mound of dirt). Stress on this syllable.
  • SHUN: Like "shun" as in “shunned.” Pronounced with a "sh" sound.
  • less: Like “less” (as in, "less than").

British English Pronunciation:

  • moe-SHUN-liss

The main difference is the "ss" sound at the end. It's a softer, more drawn-out “ss.”

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The first syllable ("moe") is the stressed syllable. This means it's the loudest and longest part of the word.
  • “sh” sound: Remember to make a clear “sh” sound in the second syllable ("shun").
  • Smooth Connection: Try to blend the syllables together smoothly. Don't pronounce one syllable in a separate, choppy way.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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  • Which dialect of English are you interested in (American or British)?

Usage and examples with the word motionless in English

Let's break down how to use "motionless" effectively in English. It's a powerful word that describes a state of being utterly still.

1. Meaning:

  • Motionless means unable to move; still. It’s the opposite of moving or active.

2. Grammar:

  • It’s an adjective. You use it to describe a noun.
  • It’s formed by adding "-less" to the word "motion" (which means movement).

3. Common Ways to Use It:

Here’s how you can incorporate "motionless" into sentences, with examples:

  • Describing a person:

    • "The witness remained motionless on the stand, unable to speak."
    • "After the crash, he was motionless in the driver's seat."
    • "She sat motionless, staring out the window, lost in thought."

  • Describing an object:

    • "The statue was motionless in the center of the room."
    • "The rain had turned the pond motionless."
    • "The car, after the accident, was motionless on the side of the road."

  • Describing a scene or atmosphere:

    • "A motionless silence fell over the room after the announcement." (This emphasizes a lack of sound as well as movement.)
    • “The forest was motionless under the heavy snowfall.”

4. Important Distinctions:

  • Motionless vs. Still: While often used interchangeably, there's a subtle difference. “Still” simply means not moving. “Motionless” implies a deliberate lack of movement, often due to something like fear, exhaustion, or a physical constraint. You might say someone is “still sleeping,” but you’d say someone is “motionless with fear.”

  • Motionless vs. Immobile: “Immobile” is a more formal and often medical term for inability to move. “Motionless” is more common in everyday language.

5. Example Sentences Demonstrating Nuance:

  • "He felt motionless with guilt, unable to look his family in the eye." (Emphasis on an emotional state preventing movement.)
  • “The hummingbird hung motionless in the air, sipping nectar from a flower." (Describes a natural state of being.)
  • “The police officer ordered the suspect to remain motionless until further notice." (A command to prevent movement.)

6. Tips for Using It Effectively:

  • Show, don't just tell: Instead of just saying “He was motionless,” try to paint a picture with your words: "His hands were clenched at his sides, his face pale and motionless."

  • Consider the context: The best way to use "motionless" depends on what you're trying to convey.

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  • Explain how to use it in a specific type of writing (e.g., creative writing, descriptive writing)?
  • Help you find synonyms for "motionless" if you want alternatives?

Synonyms for the word motionless

Practice with vocabulary motionless

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. For the duration of the advanced microscopy session, the sample had to remain entirely ____________ to capture clear, high-resolution images.
  2. The art exhibition featured a lifelike sculpture that appeared so ____________ that visitors often mistook it for a real person.
  3. The company emphasized the importance of ____________ communication channels for effective global collaboration.
  4. Despite the unexpected challenges, the project manager maintained a ____________ approach, ensuring the team stayed focused on the objectives.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The wildlife photographer waited patiently, hoping the elusive bird would remain ____________ long enough for a clear shot. a) agitated b) still c) restless d) motionless

  2. For accurate scientific measurement, the experiment setup must be entirely ____________, free from any external vibrations. a) dynamic b) stationary c) moving d) motionless

  3. After hours of intense negotiation, the delegate sat ____________, contemplating the terms of the agreement. a) vigorously b) unmoving c) agitated d) motionless

  4. The new policy aims to foster a more ____________ and adaptable workforce capable of responding to market changes. a) rigid b) stagnant c) dynamic d) inflexible

  5. Despite the pressure, the CEO remained remarkably ____________ during the crisis, reassuring stakeholders. a) composed b) volatile c) erratic d) panicky

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The old clock on the mantelpiece had stopped, showing the same time for weeks. Rewrite using "motionless" or a related word form: The hands of the old clock on the mantelpiece remained ____________, showing the same time for weeks.

  2. Original: To avoid detection, the scout held perfectly still behind the dense foliage. Rewrite using "motionless" or a related word form: To avoid detection, the scout remained ____________ behind the dense foliage.

  3. Original: The manager's calm demeanor helped to reassure the team during the unexpected crisis. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (not "motionless"): The manager's ____________ demeanor helped to reassure the team during the unexpected crisis.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. motionless
  2. motionless
  3. open / clear / efficient (Any of these suitable options)
  4. calm / composed / resolute (Any of these suitable options)

Exercise 2:

  1. b) still, d) motionless
  2. b) stationary, d) motionless
  3. b) unmoving, d) motionless
  4. c) dynamic
  5. a) composed

Exercise 3:

  1. The hands of the old clock on the mantelpiece remained motionless, showing the same time for weeks.
  2. To avoid detection, the scout remained motionless behind the dense foliage.
  3. The manager's composed demeanor helped to reassure the team during the unexpected crisis.

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