VocabDictionary

muted

/ˈmjuːtɪd/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Softened or subdued in sound, color, or intensity.

Example Sentences:
  • The room was decorated in muted tones of beige and grey.
  • There was a muted response from the crowd after the disappointing announcement.
2.verb

Past tense and past participle of 'mute'; to have deadened, muffled, or softened the sound or intensity of something.

Example Sentences:
  • He muted the television during the commercial break.
  • The heavy snowfall muted the sounds of the city traffic.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “muted”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'mut', which comes from the Old French 'mut' (silent), ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'mutus' (dumb, silent, speechless). It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the suppression of sound or color.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'mute' button on a remote control that silences the TV; 'muted' is the state of being silenced or softened.

Frequently Asked Questions About “muted

1. What is the meaning of “muted” in English?

In English, muted (adjective) is defined as: “Softened or subdued in sound, color, or intensity.”.

2. How do you use “muted” in a sentence?

The room was decorated in muted tones of beige and grey.

3. What are English synonyms of “muted”?

Common synonyms include:subdued,muffled,softened,hushed,toned-down

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “muted”?

Derived from the Middle English 'mut', which comes from the Old French 'mut' (silent), ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'mutus' (dumb, silent, speechless). It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the suppression of sound or color.