Mute vs. dumb

[rainbow402]

Dear Teacher,

1. What's the difference between " mute" and " dumb"? Can I replace " mute" with " dumb" in the following context?

Judging by the mute stance of Beijing towards the 2008 Taiwan Presidential lection, the Chinese Communist Party had been politically correct. China learnt two bitter lessons by its interference to influence the course of Taiwan Elections 2000 and 2004.

2. By the way, I wonder whether there's any online dictionary which can distinguish synonym words. If you know, please kindly tell me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ouisch]

In recent years the word "dumb" to describe a mute person has virtually been banished and is considered to be extremely politically incorrect.

 

[rainbow402]

Ouisch, thanks for your answer.

 

[banderas]

2. By the way, I wonder whether there's any online dictionary which can distinguish synonym words. If you know, please kindly tell me.

Thanks in advance! [/quote]

Synonym Finder and Thesaurus | Synonym.com

take care;-)

 

[rainbow402]

Banderas, thank you for your info.