Water whispers, silence listens.

Meaning: The sound of water dripping from the faucet is like a whisper, and the absence of other sounds is like silence.

Choice of Words: Whisper is to speak very softly. Silence is the absence of sound. Here, the dripping water from the faucet is like whispering, and the lack of other sounds is like silence.

Alternative Expressions

The water murmurs softly, the silence hearkens intently.

Meaning: This sentence is also a metaphor, but it uses more sophisticated language to describe the same thing. It is saying that the sound of the water flowing is like a soft whisper, and that the silence is listening very carefully.

Choice of Words: Murmurs is a verb that means to make a low, soft sound. Softly is an adverb that means in a quiet or gentle manner. Hearkens is a verb that means to listen attentively. Intently is an adverb that means with great attention or concentration. When you put them together, "The water murmurs softly, the silence hearkens intently" creates a more formal and poetic image of the same scene as the first sentence.

The babbling brook murmurs secrets to the attentive stillness.

Meaning: This sentence is also a metaphor, but it uses even more imaginative language to describe the same thing. It is saying that the sound of the water flowing is like a brook babbling secrets to the silence, which is listening very attentively.

Choice of Words: Babbling is an adjective that means making a lot of noise in a cheerful or excited way. Brook is a noun that means a small stream of water. Murmurs is a verb that means to make a low, soft sound. Secrets is a noun that means something that is kept hidden or private. Attentive is an adjective that means paying close attention. Stillness is a noun that means the state of being quiet and still. When you put them together, "The babbling brook murmurs secrets to the attentive stillness" creates a more whimsical and playful image of the same scene as the first two sentences.

Related Expressions