inside voices
Library volume level
Inside voices refers to the quiet, controlled volume appropriate for indoor spaces, especially classrooms.
Parents and teachers tell children to use your inside voices when they're being too loud.
The phrase implies a contrast with outdoor voices—the full-volume shouting acceptable on playgrounds.
Adults invoke it humorously when colleagues or friends get rowdy: Inside voices, people.
- soft-spokenSpeaking quietly, gently
- tonesDistinct sound qualities
- murmurSoft, indistinct continuous sound
- gentleSoft and kind
- whisperSpeech without full voice
courteous · classrooms · hush · low volume · libraries · public spaces · respectful · hospitals · manners · quiet · noise level · politeness · good behavior · kindergarten · restrained · volumes · offices · calmness
inside voicesoutside voices
Loud speech for outdoors
outdoor voices · shouting · yelling · screaming · bellowing
inside voicesrambunctiousness
Noisy, uncontrolled liveliness
rowdiness · boisterousness · acting out · letting loose · running wild
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