
Mute
Beyond Disability
Mute can imply a condition or choice but doesn't define someone's intelligence or abilities.

Though mute, she communicated through sign language brilliantly.
Not Silence By Choice
Using 'mute' suggests the person cannot speak, not that they're simply silent.

The injury left him mute, but he still enjoyed listening to stories.
Sensitive Descriptions
Be respectful, 'mute' describes a condition. Use person-first language when possible.

She is a person who is mute, not just a 'mute person'.
Compare with
DumbHushMuffleQuietResponsiveSilentSoundSpeechlessVoiceless
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