Mute vs. Moot
Words in the English language are often confused because they sound similar. When we hear others use these words correctly, we can often misuse them because we think they are saying a different word. Mute and moot are two such words. Many people often misuse the words because they do sound very similar. Let's look at the difference between the two so that you will understand how to use them correctly.
Mute can function as an adjective or a verb, and in both cases the word has to do with a lack of sound or speech-silence. As an adjective, mute is used to describe someone who is not speaking or who cannot speak. As a verb, it describes the act of silencing.
1. Jeffrey muted the sound on the television when the phone rang.
2. Morgan was mute when the teacher called on him to answer the question.
3. The soft grass in the field muted our footsteps, and we were able to get very close to the deer before they spotted us.
Moot is a word that functions as an adjective most of the time, and it can mean one of two things: 1) used to describe something that is very debatable or uncertain and cannot be resolved; 2) used to describe something that is insignificant or not worth arguing about because it cannot be resolved.
1. Whether or not he wanted cake was a moot point because there was none left.
2. It is a moot question whether the chicken or the egg came first.
3. I understand your concerns, but they are moot, because I have already made my decision.
Many people misuse mute when they really mean moot. This occurs because they have heard the word used but they do not really understand that these are two very different words. Wouldn't it be wonderful if so many people used these words correctly that an explanation of their differences would become moot?
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