silence; not speaking
Literary or formal term for silence, especially the act of refraining from speech. Often used in set phrases like 不語の行 (a practice of silence) or in Buddhist contexts.
At Zen temples, the practice of silence is emphasized.
He maintained his silence and did not answer anything.
silence; not saying a word
From 不 (not) + 語 (speak). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning of intentional silence.