寂せきとして

adverb

silently; hushed; in a still manner

Literary adverb describing a profoundly quiet, still atmosphere. Often used in written descriptions of scenes or moments of silence. Related to the classical Chinese-derived reading せき (寂).

See also: 寂 (じゃく)

• 夜よるの森もりは寂せきとして、物もの音おと一ひとつしなかった。

  The forest at night was hushed, without a single sound.

• 会かい場じょうは寂せきとして静しずまり返かえっていた。

  The hall fell completely silent.